Pathways to Scale (PTS) is a Scottish Enterprise programme that helps women-led businesses get ready to grow.  

The programme is open to female founders and co-founders of established start-up businesses that have been operating for approximately 1 to 5 years.

The programme will run from June 2025 to March 2026 and has space for 24 women who lead businesses in Scotland.

The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on Sunday 11 May 2025. 

The programme 

PTS focuses on the unique challenges women may face in business. The programme offers: 

• business growth and investment advice
• peer support 
• leadership guidance 
• sales advice 
• financial strategy guidance 
• advanced pitch training 
• an opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £20,000 

The programme will enhance your financial management skills to help support your company, boost your confidence, and improve your networking. 

The programme is made up of 3 main elements:

• a 2-day immersive leadership retreat, with an overnight stay and networking dinner
• workshops on sales techniques, advanced pitching skills, and strategic finance
• one-to-one support and coaching with Scottish Enterprise specialists

There is also a final showcase and networking event for all participants.

To be eligible, you must be a female founder or co-founder of an established start-up business. 

Your business must: 

• have been operating for approximately 1 to 5 years
• be headquartered in Scotland

You'll also need to show that your business has ambition to grow. For example, it should have:  

• a turnover of around £100,000
• plans to raise investment of £500,000 or more in the next 18 to 24 months
• 2 to 10 full-time employees
• ambitions to begin or grow international exports
• an innovative, scalable product or service with a focus on key and future industries – examples include digital and tech, data and AI, energy, life sciences, quantum photonics, radio and semi-conductors, fintech, space, and industrial biotech, as well as the broader clean energy industries

It is free to join and attend the programme, including the overnight leadership retreat. You'll need to cover any travel or other costs associated with attending in-person sessions.

Female founders and co-founders of established start-up businesses based in Scotland, with ambitions to grow and scale their companies.

After you apply, you'll receive a response within 10 working days of the closing date.

The programme will run from June 2025 to March 2026. During this period, you'll need to join:

• an hour-long online welcome session
• an hour-long online briefing
• 3 full-day, in-person workshops
• a 2-day leadership retreat, with overnight stay
• 2 one-to-one online coaching sessions, lasting one hour each

You'll also be expected to take part in the final showcase and networking event.

Participants will join one of 2 cohorts that run throughout the programme period, each with their own schedule of dates. The dates and times for each cohort's sessions are included in the application form.

The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on Sunday 11 May 2025.

Visit the Scottish Enterprise website for more information and to apply.