Impact30 class of 2021 brings Northern Innovation Hub programme to develop young entrepreneurs to new major milestone

Another 22 young business leaders from around the Highlands have become the latest to take part in a year-long programme
aimed at developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Open to people aged 35 and under in key decision-making roles in young, ambitious businesses, the IMPACT30 programme provides personalised support, coaching and mentoring. This latest cohort takes the number who have participated in the programme to over 100.

IMPACT30 forms part of the Northern Innovation Hub, led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and is delivered on HIE’s behalf by Anderson Anderson and Brown Consulting (AAB) to connect participants with top industry experts.

Development manager Lizi Blackwood said: “Once again I’m delighted to see the growing levels of interest from our young entrepreneurs wanting to join our IMPACT30 family. The focus for me when selecting each group is on the quality and potential of the young business. That made the selection incredibly difficult given the high number of quality applications.”

Christina Mackay of fundraising consultancy Pledge to Thrive is part of this year’s cohort. She said: “After a long year of isolation and lockdown, being surrounded by like-minded people with big aspirations for the future is exactly the type of inspiration and drive I was looking for. The rest of this year’s cohort and myself would like to extend a huge thanks to all involved in giving us this amazing opportunity.”

Mark Bell, programme director at AAB, said: “It’s fascinating to get an insight into the various challenges these young entrepreneurs face, and we are privileged to have the chance to support them.

“Over the years we have seen more and more collaboration between participating businesses.

“That collaboration is something we want to stimulate and harness as we welcome our 100th participant to the programme.”

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