Hollie Irvine took the plunge and launched her digital marketing consultancy business, Highbeat Digital, six weeks into her time on Elevator’s Famous Grouse Ideas Centre Creative (FGIC) Accelerator in 2020.
Hollie had initially decided to go self-employed after attending an event at the Centre which showcased programmes available to start-ups. The event inspired her to sign-up for the FGIC Accelerator and, in Hollie’s words, she hasn’t looked back since.
“The fact I traded Highbeat Digital as a limited company six weeks into joining the programme speaks for itself and shows how beneficial it can be. I met friends for life and it created a world of opportunity for me in terms of clients and mentors. I learned skills I thought would take me years to develop but, ultimately, I learnt more about myself, my capabilities and limitations, and how to really focus in and grow my ideas.”
Hollie found the programme’s focus on developing entrepreneurial tools and approaches especially beneficial.
“It really helped me home in on my entrepreneurial flair. Joining the creative accelerator was never about Highbeat itself – it was the fact that I had a knack for entrepreneurship and when this is nurtured and embraced, there are no limits. I think my relationship both with Elevator and the Creative Accelerator will span as long as my career does.”
Hollie also benefited from the Elevator-run Business Gateway Tayside service after being linked with a local adviser during her time on the Accelerator. “From the moment I was assigned a business adviser, I engaged with the service – they have been absolutely brilliant. Initially I worked with them on growth and HR, and have also had digital support (yes, even I need help with that sometimes too)!”
Highbeat Digital continues to go from strength to strength with services expanding beyond Scotland into London and Europe, and a roster of clients including Quince + Cook, Citizens Advice Bureau and Perth Autism Support.
Hollie’s advice for anyone considering joining an Elevator programme? “Go into it with an open mind and eagerness to learn. You’ll only get out what you put into it. At every step of the way, you will be surprised at how incredible, insightful and supportive everyone is when you're on this journey.”
If you think you could benefit from one of our programmes, then apply today.
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