IMPACT! was a fully-funded programme designed to support businesses looking to align their growth ambitions with environmental, social, and ethical impact.

Delivered by Elevator and supported by the Scottish Ecosystem Fund, IMPACT! equipped entrepreneurs in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee with the knowledge, tools and community needed to embed purpose into every part of their business – from strategy and leadership to culture and marketing.

The programme was developed in response to a growing demand from consumers, employees and investors for businesses that put purpose at the heart of what they do.

IMPACT! welcomed ambitious business owners and leaders across Scotland who were:

• Operating an existing business at any stage of development
• Committed to integrating purpose into business strategy and operations
• Passionate about building culture, leading ethically, and driving positive change
• Ready to connect with like-minded peers to share, collaborate and grow together

Participants represented a broad mix of sectors, but all shared a common goal: to lead businesses that make a meaningful difference.

Participants took part in a transformational learning journey, including:

• Purpose-driven strategy development – creating a business model aligned with values and customer expectations
• Human-centric leadership practices – shaping internal and external leadership approaches rooted in trust, ethics and inclusion
• Environmental impact planning – exploring sustainability, net zero pathways and practical tools for reducing carbon footprint
• Culture building – learning how to foster innovation and employee wellbeing through a strong, values-led culture
• Ethical marketing – developing communications that reflect purpose with transparency and authenticity
• Scaling with purpose – combining startup scaling strategies with values-led decision-making

Each region benefited from a blend of in-person workshops, peer networking, and expert facilitation, with follow-up online sessions to extend learning.

IMPACT! was developed in recognition of a shift in what defines business success. Purpose is no longer optional—it’s a driver of resilience, innovation, and long-term growth.

This programme supported:

• Stronger, values-led strategies that helped businesses stand out and stay future-ready
• Cultural transformation that improved employee motivation, adaptability and retention
• Sustainable practices that allowed businesses to lead by example in the transition to a greener economy
• Increased stakeholder trust through ethical marketing and purposeful leadership
• Growth with integrity – combining commercial ambition with a deep sense of social and environmental responsibility

In short, IMPACT! enabled businesses to grow not just fast – but better.