Pledges in the fifth cohort include hosting events to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) understanding in entrepreneurship, data collection to inform interventions and support for female entrepreneurs, educating more women to participate in panels, and the creation of a network of female investors in Scotland to encourage more female participation in Scotland’s investment community. 

Also, existing Pledge partners including AccelerateHER, Eos, and CodeBase have completed their first year of pledge involvement, and have committed to second year pledges - which include new partner leave policies, the creation of a growth lab for female entrepreneurs in Scotland, unconscious bias training, the formation of new partnerships, and the inclusion of secondary school pupils in entrepreneurship events. 

Ana Stewart, founder of Pathways Forward, who was recently appointed as Scotland’s chief entrepreneur, said: “The Pledge initiative is a key pillar of Pathways Forward and we’re motivated to see its continued growth.

“Our focus is on consolidating efforts across the ecosystem to drive change through collaboration with each organisation contributing its share to achieve a greater collective impact. I’m encouraged to have such a diverse group of organisations from all sectors continuing to align with our objectives.”

Pathways Forward has announced that the 2025 Female Founders Growth Summit will take place at the RBS Gogarburn conference centre in Edinburgh on 16th September, with Pathways partnering with Female Founders Rise, Buy Women Built, the ScaleUp Institute, and SuperScalers.

Ms Stewart added: “This year’s Female Founders Growth Summit will deliver a unique combination of inspiring keynotes, dedicated workshops, impact networking with peers, and curated connections with investors.

“By collaborating with organisations across the UK, we’re able to ensure attendees leave the summit feeling motivated and armed with practical, actionable takeaways to drive their own sustainable and accelerated business growth.”