Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Business Gateway have appointed Aberdeen-based business support organisation Elevator to run the first, fully funded business accelerator in Moray.
Aspiring entrepreneurs in the area are being invited to apply for an intensive 13-week accelerator programme designed to fast-track their business growth and success.
Elevator is looking for start-up, early stage and growth companies ready to transform their business, product or service to greater national and international success.
Up to 20 promising participants in a one-day “bootcamp” will secure a place on the programme, which will take place at locations including Horizon Scotland in Forres.
They will have access to a wide range of support from Business Gateway, sector experts, seasoned entrepreneurs and Elevator’s national and international network of mentors.
Applications can be submitted from now until August 14, with the programme running two days per week from September 16-December 15.
HIE Moray area manager Donna Chisholm said: “Everyone who is thinking of setting up a fast-growing business, or running an operation that could go much further, should take the opportunity to apply for a place on the Moray Accelerator.
“With our partners Business Gateway, we want Moray’s entrepreneurs to have access to the best business thinking, so we are delighted to welcome Elevator into the region.”
Andy Campbell, head of accelerators at Elevator, which runs similar schemes in Aberdeen and Dundee, said: “Staying competitive in the evolving business landscape isn’t easy, however, the opportunity to drive prosperity has never been greater.
“With this exciting new accelerator, our aim is to stimulate Moray’s entrepreneurial mindset and demonstrate the potential for local, national and potentially international growth.
“We offer an immersive, dynamic programme aimed at supporting, challenging and driving businesses forward to reach their full potential.
“This, coupled with the accessible nature of the programme, will provide a real opportunity to unlock Moray’s entrepreneurial community and breathe new life into the region’s thinking.”
Mr Campbell added: “We are delighted to be expanding our Accelerator offering, and look forward to working with a new pipeline of entrepreneurs as we work to support Scotland’s vision in becoming a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative society.”