Forbes launches Government project to teach next generation of entrepreneurs

A new fund of up to £885,000 has been launched as part a bid to create a “start-up economy” by educating young people on entrepreneurship.

The Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund is intended to “engage young people in entrepreneurship”, and offers public and private sector organisations grants of up to £250,000 to deliver new and innovative courses and projects to young people.

Launched by the Scottish Government, it aims to “inspire the next generation of business owners” and is aimed at educating under-18s.

In June 2023, the Scottish Government committed to implementing recommendations in a report co-authored by its chief entrepreneur, Mark Logan, formerly chief operating officer of Skyscanner, on under-representation of women in business as part of a multimillion-pound funding package being delivered this year.

The Scottish Government plans to “establish a world-class entrepreneurial nation”, and Deputy First Minister and Economy Secretary, Kate Forbes, said she hopes to create a “more diverse talent pool” encompassing a wide range of backgrounds, to encourage under-18s to choose business ownership as a career path.

Ms Forbes said: “Entrepreneurship is key to a productive and growing economy. Tapping into a more diverse talent pool to drive the creation and growth of new businesses is an ethical and economic imperative.

“Scotland has the potential to be one of Europe’s fastest-growing start-up economies: strong, successful and dynamic.

“The Scottish Government will continue to play its part to make this a reality, which starts with establishing a culture that encourages, promotes and celebrates entrepreneurial learning from an early age.

“We want every young person to have the opportunity to experience entrepreneurial learning and this funding will help offer the next generation of business founders new and exciting ways to take the first crucial steps.”

Mr Logan said: “This is an essential investment in the future of our country. It is our children and young people who will create the jobs and opportunities in tomorrow’s economy.

“The more we can capture their interest in entrepreneurship now, the stronger that economy will be.”