A SUCCESSFUL event encouraging budding entrepreneurs to get business savvy was hosted by The Royal Bank of Scotland's Entrepreneur Development team at Ingliston House on Tuesday October 22.

The Pre-Accelerator Ignition event was designed to help interested individuals access tools and techniques to build a great pitch, map out their business model and develop a strategy to overcome entrepreneurial challenges.

The four-hour event was also a great opportunity for attendees to network with like-minded individuals and get a taste for the digital business journey they will soon be taking part in over the coming eight weeks.

NFU Scotland’s Next Generation Policy Manager, Jenny Brunton, commented: “NFU Scotland’s Next Generation Group are delighted to partner with RBS, SAYFC and the Rural Youth Project on this exciting programme which can deliver results for busy individuals from the comfort of their own home or farm.”

“In a time of great uncertainty, it has never been more important for farmers to futureproof their businesses and increase their resilience in the current climate with this programme providing a fantastic network of support and improving key business skills,” she continued.

“It was great to see so many passionate individuals from the rural sector who are investing their time to drive forward both themselves and their fledgling businesses and careers.

“The support offered will enable people who want to grow and scale their businesses in taking their farms and rural businesses to the next level. The Royal Bank of Scotland Pre-Accelerator Programme is a great opportunity for inspiring entrepreneurs to get their foot on the ladder or expand on key skills when running their own business with skills developed including business pitches, loan applications and building individuals confidence in making business decisions,” she concluded.

SAYFC regional manager Jenny Baillie commented on the rising interest from within young farmers to build the necessary tools to take their businesses to the next level: “Our members are becoming increasingly more inspired to host politicians, influencers and local community to their family businesses and onto their farms - fully showcasing their business savvy and ability to make successful practical judgements.

“The Pre-Accelerator Programme is a unique opportunity, in our growing digital world, to not only exercise computer skills and connection with fellow course mates, but to access various learning modules at your own pace. SAYFC are eager to jointly help the creativity of our rural youth flow!”

NFU Scotland’s Next Generation Chairman, Colin Ferguson added: "We are delighted to partner with RBS, SAYFC and the Rural Youth Project on this exciting programme which can deliver results for busy individuals from the comfort of their own home or farm.

“The support offered will enable people who want to grow and scale their businesses in taking their farms and rural businesses to the next level," he continued. "The Royal Bank of Scotland Pre-Accelerator Programme is a great opportunity for inspiring entrepreneurs to get their foot on the ladder or expand on key skills when running their own business.

“In a time of great uncertainty it has never been more important for farmers to futureproof their businesses and increase their resilience in the current climate, with this programme providing a fantastic network of support and improving key business skills,” he concluded.