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Our Pathways programme is designed to help people in the South of Scotland to start, develop, and grow businesses through tailored coaching, practical support, and access to funding. 

The programme focuses on supporting women and people from other under-represented groups, and whether you're exploring a business idea, preparing to launch, or already trading, Pathways can help you take your next step. 

You may do. 

The original Pathways report and recommendations placed a particular focus on the statistical under-representation of women in entrepreneurship.  However similar barriers to starting and growing a business affect many different people and communities. 

These barriers can relate to factors such as disability, long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, ethnicity, caring responsibilities, age, rurality, or other aspects of someone's background, circumstances or lived experience. 

Being under-represented does not mean that someone is less capable or less ambitious. In many cases, it simply means that people with similar backgrounds or experiences are less visible within entrepreneurship, or may face additional barriers when accessing support, opportunities, finance, or networks. 

Pathways exists to help ensure these barriers do not prevent talented people from exploring, starting or growing a business. 

We recognise that not everyone's experience fits neatly into a category, and that people often face multiple challenges at the same time.  And for that reason, eligibility is based on self-declaration.

Business coaching is a supportive, one-to-one or group relationship that helps you make progress towards your business goals. 

Rather than telling or showing you what to do, a coach will work alongside, and mirror back to you, allowing you to explore ideas, identify challenges, build confidence and help you take practical action.  Coaching provides dedicated space to focus on your business, develop your skills and make informed decisions.

Coaching can complement other kinds of support, such as the amazing advice and guidance available through Business Gateway in the South of Scotland.  It is different because it focuses on helping you find the solutions that work for your own situation and ambitions.  It helps you think through challenges, build confidence, set goals and create your own action plan. 

Many Pathways participants value coaching because it provides personalised support that adapts to their individual needs and stage of business development. 

No. 

The Pathways grant is not a standalone funding programme.  Eligibility to apply for grant funding is linked to active participation in the coaching process.  Participants must be engaging with their coach, and making progress towards agreed goals and actions, before a grant application can be considered. 

This is because Pathways is designed primarily to help people build confidence, knowledge, skills and business readiness, not simply to provide financial support. The grant is intended to complement the coaching journey, and help participants put their plans into action.

Yes. 

If you're unsure whether Pathways is the right programme for you, we encourage you to get in touch.  A member of the team can discuss your circumstances and help determine the most appropriate support available. 

We're committed to being inclusive and recognise that everyone's experience is different.

Yes. 

Pathways supports people who are exploring a business idea or preparing to begin trading.  Coaching can help you build confidence, test your ideas, and understand the practical steps involved in starting a business.

Yes. 

Pathways supports businesses at different stages of development. If you're already trading, and are in the process of growing your business, you may be able to access support to help you overcome challenges, develop new opportunities, improve business performance, explore innovation, or plan for sustainable growth.

The easiest way to get started is to complete the enquiry form at the bottom of this page.

We'll then get in touch for a quick call, and to introduce you to one of our Pathways coaching team.