Delivered in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council, Build, Run and Scale was a fully funded business support programme designed to guide local entrepreneurs through every stage of their growth journey.

Combining three carefully curated learning experiences — Work and Life Balance, Design Led Innovation, and Building a Purpose-Driven Business – the programme supported individuals to create more resilient businesses, gain innovation skills, and embed purpose into their operations.

This programme was designed for business owners and entrepreneurial leaders based in Perth & Kinross — whether starting up, growing, or reimagining their next chapter. Ideal for individuals looking to:

• Strengthen their strategic direction
• Introduce innovation and fresh thinking
• Build a resilient, purpose-led business
• Connect with a trusted local peer network

Participants experienced a progressive learning journey over six months, comprising:

1. Work and Life Balance

Aimed at creating strong personal and professional foundations, this stage helped participants explore values, mindset, strategic focus, and sustainable leadership practices.

• Business model canvas and strategic planning
• Sales, marketing, and mindset sessions
• Fireside chats with local founders on overcoming challenges

2. Design Led Innovation

This hands-on introduction to Design Thinking gave businesses a toolkit to solve challenges creatively and practically using methods adopted by leading innovators.

• Human-centred design and ideation
• Prototyping and creative collaboration
• Guest speakers from innovation-led businesses

3. Building a Purpose-Driven Business

The final stage focused on scaling with impact – aligning purpose with growth, leadership, and environmental responsibility.

• Purpose-led strategy and marketing
• Human-centric leadership
• Scaling responsibly with environmental awareness

In an ever-changing economic and social landscape, business owners are being asked to do more than simply stay afloat – they must lead with purpose, innovate to stay competitive, and build models that are personally and professionally sustainable.

Build, Run and Scale offered a unique opportunity for local businesses to pause, refocus, and build with intention. By combining the emotional resilience of leadership with the creative mindset of innovation and the clarity of purpose-led growth, this programme equipped participants with the mindset, tools, and confidence to shape the future of their businesses – and their communities.