Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. It’ll save you time, help you find and organise content based on your needs and interests.
Case study
Iwan Roberts set up consultation business Derw Digital from his home on the west coast of Scotland,Taynuilt, in 2021 to share his expertise and passion for web development and design.
Having heard positive things about the opportunities IMPACT30 offered young business leaders, Iwan got in touch to find out more.
Iwan explained: “My background is in operational management so I thought I would be able to navigate the business world on my own, but I was struggling with the strategic direction. I also needed help with the financial aspects so that’s why I decided to apply to IMPACT30.”
IMPACT30 is a programme custom-designed to develop young business leaders and entrepreneurs in the Highlands and Islands, focusing on the tools, skills and knowledge required for growth.
It has given me fresh insight and a greater understanding of how to run – and grow - a business. It has accelerated my ideas, confidence and strategic thinking - and really increased my motivation.Iwan Roberts, Founder, Derw Digital
Taking part in the fully funded 12 month support programme alongside the running of his business, he said: “IMPACT30 is certainly worth the personal time investment if you’re unclear on how to progress your business, or are in need of a networking boost.
“The one-to-ones are invaluable - having someone to chat through ideas with and gain insight from was great. And from a confidence perspective, realising that everyone else on the cohort was in the same boat with the same challenges and doubts was a real comfort.
“It has given me fresh insight and a greater understanding of how to run – and grow - a business. It has accelerated my ideas, confidence and strategic thinking - and really increased my motivation.”
Urging others to consider joining the programme, he said: “Everything the programme leaders promise, they follow through on. From finding amazing speakers to truly caring about the cohorts, it creates a community that inspires young entrepreneurs.”
IMPACT30 is delivered through the Northern Innovation Hub, a funding programme designed to build on and accelerate business innovation.
The Northern Innovation Hub was awarded £11m from the UK Government as part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal. The deal is a joint initiative supported by £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, HIE and the University of the Highlands and Islands. This programme also receives financial support through the European Regional Development Fund Scotland Programme.
Explore all business support delivered through the Northern Innovation Hub.
Explore our support programmes and find out how we can help you too.
We support businesses, communities and social enterprises through a range of support services, including advice, funding, events and property. Find out how we can help you.
A cohort programme for young business leaders and entrepreneurs looking to develop the tools, skills and knowledge needed to enable growth.
Our technology placement programme offers enterprises of any size in the Highland Council area the opportunity to take on a graduate or student placement - and we'll fund up to 70% of their salary.
A dynamic programme which offers those operating in the creative industries across the Highlands and Islands specialist advice on how to develop digital tools within their business.
