A new initiative has been launched aiming to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs, as well as those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Glasgow City Innovation District Venture Studio has partnered with Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, alongside social enterprise Dechomai, to deliver the Ignite programme, part of the Venture Studio’s Innovate Pillar designed to drive innovation and advancement for underrepresented citizens and communities.

Supported by Glasgow City Council and UK Shared Prosperity Funding, the initiative will provide participants with bespoke coaching, mentoring, and business support in the hope of fostering entrepreneurial success.

The 6-week programme will commence in January 2025 offering targeted support to women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds who may never have engaged in business and enterprise before, but are interested in starting their own company or working within the startup space.

Over the course of the Ignite programme, participants will learn how to find and refine their business ideas as well as how to create business plans, begin marketing, and develop sales strategies. The programme is designed to build the legal and financial skills required to start a business, with participants leaving the course with a detailed thirty-day action plan to guide their next steps.

Alisdair Gunn, director of Glasgow City Innovation District, said: “This collaboration with Glasgow Riverside Innovation District and Dechomai reflects our commitment to fostering inclusive innovation and supporting diverse entrepreneurial talent. 

“Dechomai’s proven expertise in working with diverse communities will be instrumental in empowering new founders and contributing to Glasgow’s vibrant business ecosystem.”

Individual circumstances and cultural sensitivity are key features of the programme, which also features free childcare and flexible programme dates available to ensure accessibility and equal opportunity for all applicants.

The programme, delivered by Glasgow-based social enterprise Dechomai, is open to residents within the Glasgow City Council area, where drop-in clinics have already begun to provide potential applicants with more information about the programme and application process.

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“We’re excited to partner with two of Glasgow’s Innovation Districts on this transformative programme,” said Bayile Adeoti, founder and managing director of Dechomai

“The response at our drop-in clinics has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re thrilled to provide tailored support to help build a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial community in Glasgow.”

The Scottish Government is also making moves to close the gender and diversity gaps that exist within Scotland’s startup ecosystem. Yesterday, a package of measures were announced to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, with £4 million being put toward expanding the number of female entrepreneurs with tailored support at the earliest stages of business creation.