The Pre-Scaler programme has been launched in partnership with Scottish EDGE, who run a competition for innovative Scottish entrepreneurs looking for funding and support.

Pre-Scaler will see entrepreneurs experience a series of online and in-person events aiming to accelerate business growth and scalability. This complements THF’s ScaleUpScotland core and 2.0 programmes, which DIGIT has previously reported on.

The developmental events are set to kick off with a core module on fundraising, valuation, and cost of capital, followed by modules on people planning, leadership, sales, and marketing. Further, board and governance training is planned to be delivered by THF’s ScaleUp programme partners, including David Sole’s School for CEOs.

“Scaling businesses move the economic dial and we need to do more to support those with that ambition to accelerate their growth in a managed way,” said Sir Tom Hunter, THF’s founder, regarding the programme’s launch.

“Importantly this will be delivered by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs – people who know the pain, pitfalls and opportunities building a scalable business brings.

“We have seen through our support for Scottish EDGE that those with real ambition frankly need a lot more support than is on offer or available hence Pre-Scaler.”

Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish Edge, added: “Scottish EDGE is delighted to be partnering with the Hunter Foundation to deliver this programme aimed at growing businesses.

“We know from experience that our businesses need more than just cash in their journey to scale and this series of workshops aims to help them with their development.”

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While Scottish EDGE-backed businesses are encouraged to apply, Pre-Scaler is open to any ambitious entrepreneur running a business that they’d like to scale. The programme is sector agnostic.

Interested entrepreneurs should submit a two-minute, iPhone-quality video to scaleup@thehunterfoundation.co.uk covering their business; revenue from the past year; ambition in five years’ time and any plans to fundraise. Applications close March 24th.

Up to twenty pre-scaling businesses will be selected for the first cohort by four judges: Chris van der Kuyl, Principal of Chroma Ventures; Ana Stewart, Partner at EOS Advisory; Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, and Ewan Hunter, CEO of THF.

Participating entrepreneurs can expect to commit up to 5 days in total to the programme — which will be hosted at THF’s Ayrshire headquarters at Blair Castle — starting in May this year. Pre-Scaler will conclude in September, where they will have the option to pitch to a panel of potential investors.