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Can Do Collective Good News Roundup

Passionate about demonstrating ways in which collaborative working between Scottish businesses can help to accelerate growth and nurture entrepreneurial spirit, The Can Do Collective has been a driving force for post-COVID recovery plans across the nation in recent months.

A number of recent collaborations show just how much of an impact, businesses can have when they work together toward shared goals; we have created the blog post below, which offers just a snapshot of some of the amazing news generated by a selection of Can Do Partners in 2021.

Hazel Jane, Entrepreneur Engagement Manager for Tech Nation and convener for The Can Do Collective comments;

“By working together effectively, we can dramatically increase the odds of success in our endeavour to make Scotland a Can Do nation. There has never been a more important or relevant time to drive the positive social and economic benefits generated through nurturing entrepreneurialism.

Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) and Royal Bank of Scotland have joined forces to launch #FemaleBoss programme for Scotland’s college students

Can Do Partners Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) and Royal Bank of Scotland have joined forces to launch the #FemaleBoss programme for Scotland’s college students, to encourage and inspire more women to set up their own businesses.  The programme is being targeted at 18-30 year-olds through all further education colleges across Scotland, and is delivered through five online sessions hosted by inspiring Scottish female entrepreneurs.  The programme will also offer support through small grants, coaching, mentoring and collaboration, and hopes to spark female entrepreneurship among students impacted by a shrinking jobs market caused by COVID.

In Scotland, female-led businesses currently contribute £8.8billion to the economy and it is estimated that by helping female-led firms achieve future success, it could add a further £13bn to the local economy. Cabinet Secretary for Finance Kate Forbes comments;

“It is estimated that closing the entrepreneurial gender gap could grow the Scottish economy by as much as 5%, creating around 35,000 jobs. It is time we realised that economic potential, not just for Scotland’s economic future but also so that women can reap the benefits and share the enthusiasm and excitement of taking control of their own economic future – of being the boss.”

Scottish EDGE sees record applications for its business funding competition despite pandemic

Applications to the business funding competition delivered by Can Do Partner Scottish Edge have increased by 24%, with a record 305 applications for their 17th funding round which will take place in May 2021. The increase in applications suggests a high level of activity on Scotland’s start-up scene, with female co-founders representing 57% of the applications for the current round.

The social enterprise scheme is supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Hunter Foundation, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. It was first launched in 2013 and has since awarded more than £16m in grants and loans, supporting more than 420 businesses. Sir Tom Hunter has also funded independent analysis into Scottish EDGE’s past winners. The research carried out by Ekos, found that Edge-supported businesses helped generate more than 850 jobs and a gross value added (GVA) of £67.9m.

The RSE launches funding initiative to kick-start academic research in response to pandemic

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Can Do Partner and Scotland’s national academy, has announced a new funding initiative to help tackle the impact of Covid-19. The RSE Research ‘Re-Boot (Covid-19 IMPACT) Research Grant’ – will provide financial backing for academics of up to £25,000 to restart existing research, or kick-start new work.

The fund was created to support anyone whose work has been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, and applications are particularly encouraged from one or more of the following groups: those who have taken on caring responsibilities due to Covid-19, disabled, LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and/or Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Successful applicants will not only receive financial support but will also be part of a unique peer support network enabling the sharing of experience and knowledge from RSE Fellows.

New report highlights significant benefits to Scotland’s economy and society for business-academic partnerships supported by Interface

A new report, exploring the ways in which local, national and international businesses have gained from tapping into Scotland’s universities and colleges through the matching service delivered by Can Do Partner Interface, has highlighted significant benefits to Scotland’s economy and society. Dr Siobhán Jordan, Director of Interface, said:

“This report shows the significant gains right across Scotland, from the smallest community to the largest city, when innovation and ideas flourish through businesses and academic partnerships. We are in a unique position to make a real difference to all aspects of society through the connections we catalyse enabling world-leading research to be purposeful.”

The contribution to the Scottish economy from research and development projects between businesses and academics enabled by Interface, was £88.9m GVA (gross value added), and supported 1,595 jobs, with expectations to reach £222.3 million GVA and 3,193 jobs. The findings also captured the wider wellbeing and environmental benefits to society as the collaborative projects tackled major challenges such as health improvement, low carbon, community support, delivering education, helping young people, supporting international development and alleviating poverty.

Funded by The Scottish Government and supported by a dedicated team within independent charity Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation, The Can Do Collective is a connected community of enterprise support organisations and leaders on a mission to build a world-leading entrepreneurial, innovative and creative society.

If you’re a Can Do Partner, we’d love to hear from you and share your news! Get in touch and tell us your story via the contact form below.

Not a Partner and want to learn more about The Can Do Collective, head over to  https://candocollective.com/join-the-collective/