Almost £2 million has been allocated to projects in Scotland aimed at increasing access to business and encouraging young people to become entrepreneurs.

The Scottish Government said more than £829,000 of funding had been awarded to seven organizations to be used in teaching children about enterprise from the first year of primary school.

This includes £250,000 to Powering Futures to design educational programs and encourage entrepreneurship among young people.

A further £157,025 was awarded to Founders4Schools for a program to network young people with business models, particularly children from under-represented groups.

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The Gen+ group was awarded £79,834 to design business lessons for secondary school pupils.

A further 13 organizations have received £1.08 million through the Pathways Fund to encourage people from under-represented backgrounds to start a business.

Investing Women received £200,000 to deliver educational programs and networking opportunities, while a further £106,505 was awarded to GrowBiz to encourage support for women starting businesses in rural areas.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “These plans mean that, for the first time, entrepreneurship will be integrated into Scottish classrooms, from P1 to S6.

“By integrating this subject, we aim to give every young school leaver the skills, confidence and opportunity to start their own business.

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“This is a continuation of the Scottish Government’s drive to create one of Europe’s leading start-up economies.

“Existing entrepreneurs are already supported, including through our successful Techscaler program.

“Now, thanks to these two funds, we are developing the next generation.

“I want young people and underrepresented groups to be excited about the idea of ​​going into business, to understand that it’s something they can do.”

Victoria Vardy, Managing Director of Gen+, said: “At Gen+ we believe that education should inspire young people to be adaptable, self-aware and ready for the future.

“Our Industry Innovators program connects classroom learning with insights from real-world business challenges, helping students understand and develop the core skills that lead to success in any industry.

“By learning directly from industry experts, students gain the confidence and practical skills to turn their ambitions into reality, enabling them to become the future Scottish entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow. »

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