Rural InnovatE programme

Rural InnovatE is a SOSE AcceleratE programme specifically for agricultural and rural businesses, in partnership with SRUC.

Locations will be confirmed by December 2024, but will require travel from Wigtownshire to Annandale.

This six-week programme will cover a wide range of topics relevant to the rural sector in the South of Scotland:

• Innovation and Diversification
• New market opportunities, including natural capital, energy
• Strategic business planning for growth in a changing environment
• Financial resources and succession planning
• Leadership and team building

You will gain relevant insights to your business through:

• Interactive case study visits
• Guest speakers and specialist presentations
• Workshops
• Access to one-to-one business coaching and advice

This programme wil provide insight and inspiration to then explore business ideas and opportunities for your business.

Schedule

• Thursday 16 January 2025 – Introduction and innovative case study examples to inspire new ideas
• Thursday 23 January - Exploring innovation and developing your idea
• Thursday 30 January - Innovative diversification and feasibility for your business idea
• Thursday 6 February - Plan for the future, finance, succession planning and leadership
• Thursday 13 February - Turn strategy into results through a robust action plan
• Thursday 20 February – Making it real and planning next steps

Each session will run from 10am to 3.30pm.

Location

The Rural InnovatE programme will be hosted at six locations throughout Dumfries & Galloway, allowing participants to see and hear from peers throughout the programme.

Locations will be confirmed by December 2024, but will require travel from Wigtownshire to Annandale.

Host or Publisher South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE)