Scottish Impact Investor Readiness programme
Following its successful first cohort in 2024, The Scottish National Investment Bank (“the Bank”) and the award-winning Strathclyde Business School are once again joining forces to deliver the Scottish Impact Investor Readiness Programme for leaders.
The next session will run from 25 August until 3 November, offering participants practical tools, deep sector insight, and a network of peers with advanced skills to scale responsibly and attract mission-aligned investment.
With topics designed around real-world business needs and future investment readiness, it’s no surprise that graduates of the programme walked away feeling more prepared-and more inspired-to lead their businesses forward with purpose.
Who can apply?
The programme is tailored to:
- Senior decision-makers (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, founder)
- Scottish-based companies or those looking to grow in Scotland
- Businesses with at least five employees and clear growth ambitions
- Organisations committed to embedding impact or already demonstrating it, even at early stages
Supporting your growth as a leader
Thanks to significant funding support, the programme cost has been reduced from £7,500 to just £750 per participant. Applications are reviewed within 7-10 working days, and up to two individuals per business may participate.
Past results reflect the course’s practical value
- 100% of participants said they would recommend the programme
- 90% had already applied tools and knowledge gained to business decision making within a month
- Every attendee reported greater confidence in understanding, measuring, and articulating impact
(Gerry Docherty , Managing Director at WEEE Scotland)
Gerry Docherty was part of the 2024 programme and is the Managing Director at WEEE Scotland Ltd., a Glasgow-based organisation that helps businesses mitigate their impact on the environment by extending the life of electronic equipment and machinery through refurbishment and repair services.
“The course provided much needed clarity navigating through the various terminologies relating to ‘impact’” said Gerry. “It has given us the confidence to create a clear business strategy which we have already started to execute by employing a sustainability lead and undertaking BCorp, Carbon Impact assessments and updating our own net zero plan”.
“The overall course content and direct interface with the Scottish National Investment Bank really highlighted how critical it is for businesses to engage and understand the social and environmental impact they have”.
“Access to speak directly to the bank staff and clearly understand how they assess a business impact when considering their investments provides great insight into the expectations and criteria considered”.
Gerry’s advice for anyone considering applying are, “if you are unsure of the impact that your business has, how to measure your impact, or indeed what impact is, then this course is a must. It’s a course that is delivered by professionals and will benefit you and your business”.
With growing investor interest in companies that balance profit with purpose, now is the time to position your business for impact and growth.
David Ritchie, Chief Strategy Officer at the Scottish National Investment Bank said:
“As an impact investor, we can see first-hand how focusing on critical impact measures can drive long-term societal and economic benefits for Scotland, for generations to come. All of our portfolio companies set out clear and measurable impact targets as part of our commercial investment process, and we monitor their progress with them annually.
“We’re delighted to partner with the University of Strathclyde with their proven track record in supporting the SME community. We encourage business owners and leaders who are focused on long-term success and transformative innovation to sign up.”