Unlocking the South’s potential – Deputy First Minister discusses Pathways programme success
The second phase of a programme aimed at breaking the barriers to growth by encouraging entrepreneurship in women and under-represented groups is proving a huge success.
The Pathways Pre-Start programme – funded by the Scottish Government which we deliver in the South of Scotland - has so far had 686 enquiries in 2025/26.
Key Pathways facts and figures
- It has led to 427 people being introduced to one of our coaching team, including 53 who are accessing support from our specialist growth and innovation coaches.
- To date 92 people have started trading since engaging with this phase of the Pathways programme.
- Phase two of the programme follows a successful pilot in 2024/25, which saw us provide specialist coaching to 262 existing or prospective founders, leading to over 100 new businesses being created.
- Grants of £1,000 were also provided to 391 people through 2024/2025 and so far, 224 during 2025/2026, to help explore or start their business in the South.
The Scottish Government pledged a further £1.5million for us to continue to deliver Pathways throughout 2025/2026, as part of a £6m investment focussed on supporting women and other under-represented groups at the start of their entrepreneurial journey.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the Great Tapestry of Scotland Centre in Galashiels on Friday 23 January to meet a number of the Pathways coaches delivering the scheme, alongside clients receiving support.
Among them was Kirsten Scott, who received Pathways support last year to develop and launch her South-based wellbeing business Tribe Fortune.
Kirsten said:
"Pathways has been a real catalyst for us.
“It’s given us the confidence to back our vision, sharpen our plans, and connect with people who genuinely want to see us succeed.
“It is rare to find support that feels this practical and this human, and it has given us the energy and momentum to grow Tribe Fortune into something that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Pathways Innovation Coach Andy Robinson, who has supported Kirsten Scott, added:
“It’s a privilege to be part of the Pathways programme and support entrepreneurs across the South of Scotland to gain clarity, confidence and practical tools to grow their businesses.
“It is inspiring to see how quickly founders turn support into tangible progress, from refining ideas to building first products and securing customers.
“I am proud to play a role in helping such a diverse and ambitious group of entrepreneurs, and it is exciting to see the positive impact this programme is having on the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“I am determined to break down any and all barriers for any business-minded person who wants to start or develop their business idea or company and the success stories coming out of the Pathways Pre-start programme illustrate how effective pre-start intervention can be.
“This success is testament to the programme being shaped and delivered by South of Scotland Enterprise and the coaching team, and to the innovation, determination and drive being demonstrated by new and existing business founders across the region.”
South of Scotland Enterprise Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross said:
“The goal of Pathways was to support the ambitions of new and under-represented founders across the South of Scotland, by reaching people with fantastic ideas but who did not think of themselves as entrepreneurs.
‘’While the pilot period was a success, we are already taking Pathways further this year, unlocking the fantastic potential in the South, breaking more barriers to growth and unleashing the power of the rural economy.”