The Scottish Impact Investor Readiness Programme is a new programme to address the growth barriers faced by Scottish businesses and being delivered by Strathclyde Business School, in partnership with the Scottish National Investment Bank. It was developed following research into the challenges that businesses with a focus on environmental and societal impact face when looking to take growth to the next stage.

The programme aims to help business owners grow their businesses responsibly, with a focus on helping them develop a better understanding of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations and measure impact. It encourages ambitious businesses and their leaders to think about their impact and how to integrate this into business growth strategy.  The Scottish Impact Investor Readiness Programme is for senior leaders of organisations looking to enhance their positive impact on the environment and society through the way they work and grow their businesses. 

It will be delivered by experts from across the university – including the ScaleUp Institute-endorsed Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and the Centre for Sustainable Development – utilising internationally-recognised research and real-world practitioners.

David Ritchie, executive director of partnerships and engagement at the bank, said: “As an impact investor, we can see first-hand how focusing on critical impact measures can drive long-term societal and economic benefits for Scotland, for generations to come.

“We have a portfolio of 31 businesses, all of whom set out clear and measurable impact targets as part of our commercial investment process, and we monitor their progress with them annually.

 

Investors demand more than commercial returns, they also want to see the positive human impact that their funding enables,“ he continued, adding: “It’s never been more pressing for businesses to understand and embed the principles of impact investing in their business plans.”

WeDO member John Anderson, Director of Growth Programmes at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, added:

“Having supported over 450 SMEs since 2015, across multiple practical programmes, we’re delighted to partner with Scottish National Investment Bank to continue our mission in supporting leaders of ambitious, growth-oriented businesses.

 

Thanks to the partnership arrangement, the programme has been made as accessible as possible, with fees heavily subsidised, reducing the usual cost of £7,500 down to £500 per participant.“

Applications are now open and the programme begins on 27 August.  Eligibility criteria is as follows:

• Must be an established business seeking or anticipating investment to achieve growth ambitions. The business should be committed to growing and improving its impact as it scales, or already demonstrating impact (even at an early stage).
• Must be a Scottish based business or a business looking to grow in Scotland.
• Minimum of 5 employees.
• Senior leader / decision maker of the business (for example: CEO / CFO / COO / Founder / Co-Founder / Board Member).
• Up to two individuals from one business can participate.
• Open to any sector.

To find out more about the Scottish Impact Investor Readiness Programme, click HERE where you can also apply for the programme.

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