The pilot programme ‘Bold Beginnings’ – delivered by Elevator in partnership with Business Gateway Edinburgh, supported by City of Edinburgh Council, and funding from the Scottish Government’s Pathways Fund – saw 48 women from the city’s Wester Hailes and Muirhouse districts explore business skills and how to start their own ventures.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Councillor Margaret Graham will feature at the Bold Beginnings showcase today, meeting some of the women who participated in the 6-week community-based programme designed to widen female entrepreneurship, build confidence, provide practical pathways into enterprise, and strengthen community networks.

The Deputy First Minister said: “The Scottish Government firmly recognises that entrepreneurship must be open to all, and we are committed to helping remove the barriers faced by under-represented groups, including women, so that every ounce of entrepreneurial talent in this country can thrive.

“Supported by Pathways Funding, Bold Beginnings exemplifies the work taking place across the country to ensure that everyone - regardless of their background or postcode - has the chance to succeed in business.”

Margaret Graham, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Convener, said: “This programme is a great example of what can be achieved when support is designed around people’s real lives.

“By creating a space that builds confidence, shares practical skills, and encourages peer support, it’s helping women turn ideas into something they can actively explore and develop.”

Councillor Graham added: “I know that supporting a business isn’t always straightforward.  Pressures like childcare, limited time, financial constraints, and self-confidence can all stand in the way, which is why this kind of tailored support is so valuable.”

While the women curated for the programme faced a range of challenges including childcare responsibilities, language barriers, health issues, and lack of confidence,  by the end of the initiative many were presenting their business ideas and plans to the group, developing products and services, and researching market entry.

Leann Bruce, one of the programme participants, said: “I joined the course to further my development in starting my own business. The course certainly helped me realise it is now not a hobby but a passion that I can turn it into a profitable venture.  My goal is to now place some of my products in small independent craft shops.”

The oversubscribed programme took place in person across a range of community spaces, including at local faith groups, libraries, community centres, and local health centres.

Participants did not need a business plan or previous experience, with the programme focusing on confidence building, practical business skills, and peer support, helping the women taking part move from early ideas towards testing potential business concepts.

Modules studied on Bold Beginnings included: confidence and resilience; health and wellbeing: personal values; overcoming self-limiting beliefs; business idea generation; market research; marketing and sales; digital tools and online visibility; business planning; finance, pricing, and record keeping, and; pitching and presentation skills.

The Pathways Fund (2024-2026) is a Scottish Government initiative providing grants of up to £150,000 aimed at increasing access to entrepreneurship for underrepresented groups and women in particular.

Rachel Ross, Elevator CEO, said: “In keeping with the ethos of the Pathways Fund, Bold Beginnings aims to open up access to entrepreneurship for women from areas of society that are underrepresented. The hope is that the programme can be rolled out across Scotland so that more women consider starting their own business as a viable option.”