New product development programme

An exciting programme to help ambitious entrepreneurs accelerate the growth and scale of their business by taking a new product or service to market. 

What is it?

The New Product Development Programme is aimed at established businesses that have a new product or service they wish to bring to market.

The programme consists of 5 sessions spread over 12 weeks split into 3 in-person and 2 online sessions for each business participating. Dates for the next cohort are shown below along with the time commitment required. Please apply by 10 January for the next cohort.

What does it cover?

The programme will take businesses through every stage needed to bring a new product or service to market and cover the following topics: 

Note: In-person sessions will be held in HIE's office, An Lòchran based on Inverness Campus.

Session 1: On boarding and the proposition - in-person, 2-days
Dates: 14 and 15 January 2025

• Programme overview and goals
• Drivers of new product development
• Identify opportunities
• Define your customers
• Assumptions and risks
• Value proposition
• Business models

Session 2: Customer Focus - in-person, 1-day
Date: 04 February 2025

• Differentiation 
• Positioning 
• Minimum viable product 
• Change management

Session 3: Business and commercial - virtual, 2 x 2.5 hours
Date: 26 February 2025

• Funding options
• Branding

Session 4: Operations - virtual, 2 x 1.5 hours
Date: 12 March 2025

• Capabilities strategy
• Go to market

Session 5: Ready for action - in-person, 1-day
Date: 25 March 2025

• Final action plan
• Final pitch
• Program recap and roundup

What are the benefits?

By participating on this programme, you will:

• learn the skills to develop new products and services 
• improve the likelihood of new product or service success when taken to market
• improve the value of an existing new product or service idea
• get in-depth support from experienced specialists throughout the programme
• develop a community of diverse business contacts

Outcomes

• a robust value proposition for a new product or service
• a business-wide action plan
• advanced skills to champion new product or service development across your business. 

Am I eligible?

• The programme is for established businesses that are already trading and located in the Highlands and Islands area. It is not intended for start-ups.
• Applicants must comply with HIE’s fair work conditions for grant support. For more information, please visit our fair work page. If you would like to speak to someone about the fair work requirement or need more information, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk and we will get a member of staff to contact you.

What does it cost?

There is no cost to participate in this programme, it is fully funded by HIE.

When does it start?

The next cohort will start on 14 Jan 2025

How do I apply?

Please complete our expression of interest form to register.