Business mentoring programme will help Highland firms find a quicker path to market
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Businesses from as far apart as Tiree and Moray are hoping to take a fast track to success as they embark on the latest Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Pathfinder Accelerator programme.
This is the sixth group to start on the programme since it began in 2018 and will be delivered completely online, providing expert training and mentoring.
The programme is designed to nurture businesses in the life science and technology sectors and help them bring their business ideas to market more quickly
The nine successful applicants will focus on developing or innovating a product or service, allowing the group to support each other with peer learning and share their specialist knowledge.
Previously targeted at SMEs in the Highland Council area, the programme has now been extended to businesses across the whole of the Highlands and Islands area.
The nine businesses taking part this year will have a special focus on digital, data and AI innovation.
They include Druid Ltd from Inverness, which is developing a diagnostic product for babies who have been identified with a high risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes, and Kirkhill-based Practically Green Ltd, which uses technology to monitor energy use and the internal environment in domestic and commercial premises.
New start up V4 Vision Ltd from Wick is a new start-up aiming to promote awareness of good eye health and enable remote eye testing through an interactive mobile app, and develop clinic diagnostic products using virtual reality technology and AI.
Two Elgin businesses are also taking part, Strategy Cards Ltd, which is working on the digitalisation of a card based businesses planning tool, and underground surveying and inspection service Underground Maintenance Systems Ltd.
Andrea McColl, senior development manager at HIE, said: “We are delighted that we can support this group of businesses across the Highlands and Islands. Using online support sessions, they will be able to move forward with their ideas and receive the support required.
“Commercial success of any new product or service depends on a strong business model and being able to reach the right market. The Pathfinder programme not only guides companies and start-ups through this process but assists with networking and expert insight. Our delivery partners, The Leadership Factory and UP Accelerator, have worked with many leading businesses and having access to their experience and contacts is extremely valuable for our participants.”
The 12-week course is designed to enable participants to develop their sustainable business model, or launch a new product saving both time and money. The programme allows them to test business ideas in a focused environment, identify new routes to market and develop their sales pitch. A further 12 weeks of coaching and mentoring is offered to help the start-ups and entrepreneurs develop contacts, source funding and plan for future growth.
Participants will benefit from dedicated experienced business coaches, tailored workshops and seminars.
The Pathfinder Accelerator programme was made possible by HIE’s Northern Innovation Hub (NIH), as part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.
