Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) have succeeded in their bid for funds to expand and extend Business Mentoring Scotland throughout the country enabling businesses across Scotland to benefit from business-to-business connections and knowledge transfer provided by the programme\'s experienced mentors to support business growth in every sector in Scotland.
Liz Cameron, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce said,
\'In the last year alone, SCC\'s Business Mentoring Scotland programme contributed nearly £50 million to Scotland\'s economy though business growth and created 960 new jobs whilst sustaining many more. 900 business mentors provide their experience, knowledge and time on a voluntary basis, and have supported over 8,000 businesses through this programme; this funding announcement is recognition of the success of the Business Mentoring Scotland approach to unlocking the expertise, knowledge and creativity in the private sector.
\'This support from Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund will enable more Scottish businesses to benefit from a pool of talented individuals who all willingly sharing their knowledge, experience and connections to promote growth for businesses in Scotland.
\'It is clear that Business Mentoring Scotland is unique, creative, and – simply – it just works. It was set up by business leaders themselves who know that their experience and connections can be harnessed to support other businesses in Scotland. Business Mentoring Scotland is a great example of successful partnership, led by business, funded by Government and Scottish Enterprise, and delivered on the ground by local Chambers of Commerce across Scotland.
\'With business confidence on the up, and signs of buoyancy in our economic recovery, I am optimistic about the future prospects for business growth, and the creation of more job opportunities in Scottish businesses.\'
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
\'In June the Scottish Government asked for proposals from across the country, from organisations including local authorities, the third sector, business organisations and our universities of ways in which they could support economic development, create jobs and build new businesses.
\'The funding received by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce will help create new opportunities for businesses, contributing to Scotland\'s sustainable economic growth.
\'We are using every tool at our disposal to support jobs and invest in recovery.\'
Lena Wilson, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise said,
\'Business mentoring is one of the ways we help business leaders with their growth ambitions. By working with a mentor, leaders can tap into expertise and experience of a particular business challenge such as how to break into a new market or how to expand current operations. With this funding secured, the programme can continue to support over 800 businesses and organisations annually.\'
