Nearly £2m in grants pledged to increase diversity and young people in business

Nearly £2m has been awarded to projects in Scotland to increase access to business and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs.

The Scottish Government said more than £829,000 in funding was awarded to seven organisations to be used in teaching children about enterprise from primary 1.

This includes £250,000 to Powering Futures to design education programmes and encourage entrepreneurship in young people.

Another £157,025 was given to Founders4Schools for a scheme to network young people with business role models – particularly children in under-represented groups.

More than £829,000 will be awarded to teach children about enterprise (Ben Birchall/PA). PA Media

The Gen+ group was given £79,834 to design business lessons for those in secondary school.

Another 13 organisations were awarded £1.08 million as part of the Pathways Fund to encourage people from under-represented backgrounds to start a business.

Investing Women recieved £200,000 to provide educational programmes and networking opportunities while another £106,505 was given to GrowBiz to encourage support for women starting firms in rural areas.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “These projects mean that for the first time, entrepreneurship will be embedded in Scotland’s classrooms, from P1 to S6.

“By mainstreaming the subject we aim to give every school-leaver the skills, confidence and opportunity to set up their own business.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes hailed the funding (PA). PA Media

“This is a continuation of the Scottish Government’s drive to create one of Europe’s leading start-up economies.

“Existing entrepreneurs are already being supported, including by our successful Techscaler programme.

“Now, through these two funds, we are developing the next generation.

“I want young people and under-represented groups to be excited by the idea of going into business, to understand it’s something they can do.”

Victoria Vardy, chief executive of Gen+, said: “At Gen+, we believe education should inspire young people to become adaptable, self-aware and ready for the future.

“Our Industry Innovators programme connects classroom learning with insights from real-world business challenges, helping pupils understand and develop the core skills that lead to success across industries.

“By learning directly from industry experts, students gain the confidence and practical skills to turn their ambitions into reality, empowering them to become Scotland’s future entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow.”