Experienced business leaders in Tayside are being invited to become mentors dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and high-growth businesses.
Elevator is a social enterprise opening a base in Dundee as a dedicated entrepreneurial hub, and needs people with expertise in sales, technical, marketing, legal, financial, investors, HR and talent management.
Along with a base in Aberdeen, the project needs around 60 to mentors for its latest Accelerator Programme, Cohort 3, for which it is recruiting ‘founders.’
The intensive 12-week programme is for ambitious early-stage business owners and teams seeking to improve their business offering at an accelerated rate.
It covers themes including business models and goal setting, identifying new markets and opportunities to intellectual property, scale, growth and exit strategy.
The programme allows successful candidates to test, research, develop, launch and refine their products or service-led business to become market and investor ready.
Elevator chief executive Professor Gary McEwan, of Dundee University, said: “Mentors are usually individuals with deep industry, investment or entrepreneurship experience.
“They work with companies voluntarily, sharing their knowledge and guidance freely, and opening their networks where appropriate.
“Since the Accelerator founders have historically been diverse, just like the start-up community in the region in general, we are looking for a broad range of diverse mentors – diversity is key.”
Mentors will liaise directly with the founders through one-to-one sessions offering honest and constructive feedback on all aspects of the business.
Scottish Enterprise chairman Bob Keiller, who is a partner and key mentor on the Accelerator Programme, stated: “To be a good mentor, you need to take on the responsibility of nurturing an individual or team to grow and blossom by providing support, helping to bridge gaps and making connections.”
Cohort 3 will begin on June 21, and mentor candidates can find more information at www.elevatoruk.com or call Simon Fraser on 01224 289713.
The Dundee Elevator hub comes after Dundee University agreed a deal to establish a new Centre of Entrepreneurship on campus.
The centre will bring together commercially-focused educational activity with a practical programme designed to fast-track business growth.
Professor McEwan said: “The city of Dundee is in a very strong position to embrace innovation and diversity.
“With the £1 billion master plan to regenerate and reconnect the waterfront to the city centre there are real opportunities across all sectors – technology, food and drink, tourism and biotechnology – which entrepreneurs can utilise.
“We are committed to helping support and realise the ambitions of the city.”
