Hey guys, check this out! The global entrepreneurship scheme is back in Scotland after a four-year break, and it’s on the lookout for some serious talent. Shell LiveWIRE, which is now active in 20 countries, is searching for small and medium-sized businesses that have big dreams but are facing some challenges along the way. This awesome programme was last in Scotland back in 2019, and now it’s making a comeback after a period of review to make sure it’s up to date with the changing business scene.
Energy giant Shell has teamed up with Elevator to bring the programme back to Scotland. Elevator, a business support organisation with over 20 years of experience, will be delivering the Scottish relaunch. They’ve got strong connections with regional councils, governments on both sides of the Border, and a network of partners in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Perth, and Lanarkshire.
The LiveWIRE programme is all about coaching and mentoring to give participants the tools and confidence they need to move forward. They’re focused on boosting sales, increasing customer volumes, and ultimately creating jobs. The first stage of LiveWIRE 2023-24 will be targeting businesses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and then they’ll be expanding into the west of Scotland.
The programme is kicking off next month, and they’ve lined up some expert speakers to deliver inspiring and challenging workshops from January to May. There will also be residential challenge days where entrepreneurs from 15 local businesses will work together. And get this – participants will have the chance to apply for some serious grant funding, which is a huge bonus!
Karen Clark, the programme and events operations manager, is super excited about this free initiative. She’s looking for businesses that are ready to take their growth to the next level. Whether they’ve hit a roadblock or are facing a specific challenge, the programme will encourage them to tackle it with a fresh, innovation-focused mindset.
Companies from any sector can join in, as long as they meet a few criteria: they should be small and medium-sized enterprises with 2 to 149 employees, have decision-making powers, be located in Aberdeen City and Shire (or the west of Scotland for the follow-up cohort), have a clear ambition for growth but are facing obstacles, be at least two years old and generating revenue, and be willing to commit to the programme’s time requirements.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you can register your interest and complete the full application process by November 24. Elevator’s chief executive, Gary McEwan, is all about pushing entrepreneurs to reach their full potential and make a real impact in their communities. And with the support of Shell LiveWIRE, they’re ready to take that impact to the next level.
Simon Roddy, senior vice president of Shell UK Upstream, is also on board with this initiative. He believes that programmes like these can drive progress, foster connections, and strengthen local economies by promoting entrepreneurship and meaningful employment. It’s all part of Shell’s plan to support 15,000 people into jobs, with a focus on the energy transition over the next decade.
So, if you’re a small or medium-sized business in Scotland with big dreams and a few hurdles to overcome, this could be your chance to shine!
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