Scottish Entrepreneurs Launch Initiative to Inspire Future Business Leaders

A new initiative, Ignite, was launched to encourage young people in Scotland to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The programme, introduced by ed-tech charity F4S, aims to equip students with the skills to think and act like entrepreneurs.

Supported by the Scottish Government and the business community, Ignite seeks to connect students with real-life entrepreneurs who will share their experiences and insights.

The programme seeks to demonstrate the importance of problem-solving, adaptability, and risk-taking in business. Sherry Coutu CBE, serial founder and Chair of F4S, spoke of the value of relatable role models in shaping young people’s career aspirations.

“Relatable role models can be a powerful catalyst in a young person’s life,” she said. “Research shows that they open up career possibilities and lead to better life and work outcomes. But most young people can’t name an entrepreneur who looks like them or comes from a similar background. Ignite will change that.”

Ignite will introduce students to entrepreneurs at different stages of their journeys, including Amee Ritchie, Co-founder of S’wheat Bottle; Mark Scott, Co-founder of Bella+Duke; Dr Yola Jones, Co-founder and CTO of Seluna; Darina Garland, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Ooni; Joe and Pete Donald, creators of TripTix; and Elena Höge, CEO of Yaldi Games.

Encouraging Young People to Consider Entrepreneurship

The programme has received support from key figures, including Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister, who spoke of the importance of fostering entrepreneurship in schools.

“I want young people in schools across the country to be excited by the idea of going into business and to understand it’s something they can do. So, it’s important that young people can engage with and learn from a range of entrepreneurs with different skills and different backgrounds,” she said.

“Putting real-world entrepreneurs into the classroom is allowing that to happen, showing pupils what it takes to turn an idea into a successful enterprise while helping them to develop their creative ideas and building the next generation of Scottish business founders,” she said.

Amee Ritchie, Co-founder of S’wheat Bottle, said, “I wish a programme like this was around in my school days. Many young people believe that you can’t start a business if you don’t have the funds, experience, or assistance. I’d like to think I am living proof that you can, and I can’t wait to share my experience with the students.”