South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Scottish company creation programme Converge have joined forces on the new partnership.
Their first action is the creation of an enterprise executive role for the South of Scotland within Converge, co-funded by SOSE, which will aim to work with both organisations to tap into the surplus entrepreneurial talent.
University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have agreed to host the enterprise executive, with the post holder providing entrepreneurship support for all institutions in the region.
The project has come about after data revealed that the region has 508 businesses per 10,000 people, higher than the Scottish average of 391.
SOSE’s chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross said: “In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that the South plays an active role in Scotland becoming one of the best countries in the world to start and grow business.
“We know there is entrepreneurial talent ready to be discovered across the South of Scotland, and by working with Converge we can find it and help build entrepreneurial mindsets across the region.
“By doing so, it will help create wider benefits such as the creation of skilled jobs, supporting young people, higher wages, drive increased productivity and encourage innovation.”
Dr Claudia Cavalluzzo, executive director at Converge, added: “The South of Scotland has its own rich history of entrepreneurial spirit and success, and as a business start-up and spinout location, the numbers show us it is becoming more popular all the time.
“Although there might not be as many students based in this part of the country as other areas of Scotland, many either return to the region, or choose to move here to launch their own business .
“That is a market we really want to help nurture, with expert on-the-ground support.”
And Johnny Mone, head of business innovation at UWS said: “Inclusion is one of our most important values which we share with Converge and SOSE and this partnership will enable more students in the south of Scotland to access the programmes and support that will help them make an even greater economic, social, and cultural contribution to the region.”
