New and future food and drink entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their business ideas for the chance to win a free place on a weekend interactive programme.
Applications are now open for the two sessions which are part of THRIVE – a collaborative initiative launched by Queen Margaret University, Abertay University and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) to support sustainable growth in the country’s food and drink sector.
There are up to 60 places available on the online Saturday workshops in November which will bring together expertise from all three institutions, as well as external industry professionals.
They will help students and recent graduates gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge they need to start a business in the sector – whether that be offering new food and drink products or a service to the industry.
Dr Carol Langston, Reader in Rural Entrepreneurship at SRUC, said: “This programme is an ideal opportunity for a student or recent graduate to really explore their business idea and commence planning their start-up journey.
“It is also an invaluable occasion to build their personal network in the Food and Drink sector – which is vital to helping to build a successful business.”
Dr Jon Wilkin, of Abertay University, said: “These workshops will be hugely valuable for students and recent graduates looking to get into the food and drink sector.
“With COP26 coming to Glasgow this year, the eyes of the world will be on our approach to sustainability, and this project is a great example of an initiative that can help new businesses or entrepreneurs set up ventures with climate change in mind.”
Miriam Smith, Innovation and Enterprise Manager at Queen Margaret University, said: “Venturing into the world of entrepreneurship is an exciting but daunting prospect for anyone, especially when funding and knowledge is limited.
“So many business ideas don’t even get off the ground. We want to ensure our graduates have the very best chance of success and are equipped to develop their business idea so they can turn it into reality.
“THRIVE will provide students with an outstanding insight into the food and drink industry by equipping them with the essential skills for product development along with marketing, legislative, and business knowledge that will be essential in executing their vision and creating a sustainable food business.”
THRIVE is aimed at third and fourth-year students, as well as recent graduates, with applicants asked to pitch their ideas as part of the process.
To register, visit: https://bit.ly/THRIVEApplication or for more information email: foodanddrink@sruc.ac.uk.
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