The programme will focus on delivering specialist support tailored to participant's needs. It will provide you with free access to specialists in a variety of technical areas through events, a signposting service, innovation clinics, learning journeys, common interest groups and intense 1-2-1 support. Information will also be available through videos, podcast, articles and case studies. Find out more below:
WORKSHOPS AND WEBINARS
We will deliver a series of face-to-face workshops, online workshops and webinars. The workshops will be a mix of technical subjects and networking events.
INNOVATION CLINICS
You will have an opportunity to apply for a one-to-one innovation clinic. It will provide you with a bespoke mentoring session with four experts in a particular area of speciality suited to your business needs. The session will provide practical advice, hints and tips to help you overcome a particular challenge or issue. You will receive a 20-minute call providing advice for you to implement.
LEARNING JOURNEYS
If you have taken part in the programme, you will be offered the chance to apply for a place on a learning journey. This will involve visiting a prominent food and drink business or group of successful food and drink businesses operating in Scotland. The learning journeys will give participants the opportunity to understand best practice and learn how successful businesses have grown.
INTENSIVE 1-2-1 SUPPORT
30 businesses will be allocated a specialist within the delivery team or from our database of expert contacts who can be brought in on a case-by-case basis. The expert will work closely with each business and offer hands on guidance to support development. This can include business plans, technical support or support with funding applications.
COMMON INTEREST GROUPS
We will bring together businesses working in the same sector, or those experiencing similar issues or who have similar plans for future development. Groups will be under the supervision of a specialist facilitator from the project team who will facilitate collaboration and support innovative opportunities and projects.
INSIGHTS AND BEST PRACTICE
We will be continually adding learning resources and best practice examples to our website including podcasts, videos and case studies, which we will signpost you to.
Triage calls and signposting
If your business attends the workshops or registers an interest, you will receive a 30-minute triage call so the project team can better understand:
- your business
- what your plans are for growth
- what barriers your company faces in developing these plans
- What support you need.
This will allow the project team to develop a dedicated support plan for each business. The call will also offer a signposting service where the project team can make specific introductions to people and projects in the private, academic and public sector that can help the business and develop collaborative opportunities.
Please note: Funding to implement recommendations within a business made during this programme is not included in this support package. However, participants can be signposted to other funding available from HIE and partners where available.
