Drive to boost entrepreneurship across island communities

ROBERT Gordon University (RGU) has announced more details about the Islands Entrepreneurship Network, an initiative led by the university designed to “energise local economies and empower communities to launch and grow successful enterprises” across Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

The Islands Entrepreneurship Network was established as part of the TalEntEd Islands Programme to accelerate net zero solutions, address demographic challenges and drive inclusive innovation across the three island groups.

It is supported by up to £5.9 million of joint investment from the Scottish Government and the UK Government through the islands growth deal.

The TalEntEd programme unites RGU, Heriot-Watt University and the UHI, to deliver “tailored work-based learning, entrepreneurship pathways and innovation-commercialisation grants to spark sustainable economic growth”.

The team behind the programme includes Maria Bell, founder of Mesomorphic and Silicon Croft, who takes up the role of co-ordinator in Shetland.

Overall programme manager Naomi Macdonald, from the Western Isles, said: “Being part of this specialised team feels like the start of something truly transformative for the future of our islands.

“There’s so much untapped potential here, and with support specifically tailored to the unique challenges of island life, we can help create businesses that are rooted in community, resilience and innovation.”

The team is completed by Kirsteen Stewart, a fashion and design entrepreneur who will lead things in Orkney.

Chris Moule, head of entrepreneurship and innovation at RGU, said: “RGU has invested in supporting entrepreneurship across the region, helping students, staff and graduates to start over 250 new ventures, with many coming from under-represented groups.

“We’ve had great success with programmes such as our Startup Accelerator, Women in Business and Creative Entrepreneurship, and look forward to working with Island communities to evolve them and foster a vibrant community of entrepreneurs.

“The network aims to harness local talent, strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and create new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

“We have brought together a highly accomplished team to deliver the programme, and they look forward to making a real impact by harnessing the talents and skills across the communities to build new ventures, create new jobs and contribute positively to the economic, social and cultural fabric of the three island groups.”

The funding for the programme is split between £4.4 million from the Scottish Government and £1.5 million from the UK Government.

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