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Accelerating Borders

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Drive Success Series

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Mentoring Programme

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Accelerating Borders is a dynamic enterprise and leadership development programme led by Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce (SBCC). Designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by rural businesses, early-stage entrepreneurs, and underrepresented groups including women, young people, and founders from non-traditional backgrounds, this programme equips participants with the skills, connections, and confidence to grow and succeed across the Scottish Borders.

Accelerating Borders is a dynamic enterprise and leadership development programme led by Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce (SBCC). Designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by rural businesses, early-stage entrepreneurs, and underrepresented groups including women, young people, and founders from non-traditional backgrounds, this programme equips participants with the skills, connections, and confidence to grow and succeed across the Scottish Borders.

Leadership Accelerator

Drive Success Series

A leadership programme for regional businesses designed to strengthen strategy and support growth.

A group of people sits in a well-lit room with dark blue walls and historical posters. They are engaged in discussions at small tables, creating a collaborative and focused atmosphere.

The must-attend leadership programme for entrepreneurs, micro businesses, SME owners and managers in the Scottish Borders and beyond. This practical, high-impact series is designed to strengthen leadership capability, sharpen strategy and support sustainable business growth.

Delivered by SBCC in partnership with Stephen McQuillan (moon developments UK), this six-part programme blends neuroscience with practical leadership tools you can apply immediately in your business.

Expect sharper decision-making, smoother ways of working, stronger teams and a supportive peer network that helps maintain momentum long after each session.

Designed specifically for growing micro and SME businesses, the programme is fast-paced, hands-on and business-led, combining in-person and online delivery to suit busy schedules.

You'll Gain

Clarity on your business strategy

Stronger operational focus

Practical leadership capability

Confidence to scale and grow

Deeper customer understanding

Outcomes

A clear, actionable plan

Practical tools you can apply immediately

Stronger, more effective leadership

Increased confidence in decision-making

Ongoing peer support and accountability

Ready to Get Started?

See our events page for more.

Find an event

Ready to Get Started?

See our events page for more.

Find an event

Connecting Businesses

Borders Mentoring Programme

A leadership programme for regional businesses designed to strengthen strategy and support growth.

A group of people sit around a wooden table in a cozy, brick-walled room. They are engaged in lively conversation, creating a warm, collaborative atmosphere.

The Borders Mentoring Programme supports early-stage and growing businesses by connecting them with mentors who understand the realities of operating in a rural and regional economy. Through 1:1 or small group mentoring circles, participants gain practical guidance, peer support and insights to build confidence, clarity and capability.

Delivered by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce and supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme is open to founders, sole traders, micro-SMEs and emerging leaders across the region.

You'll Gain

Access to experienced business mentors

A supportive peer learning network

Clear strategic direction

Confidence to develop and test ideas

Stronger local connections

Outcomes

Practical mentoring support

Improved leadership capability

Greater readiness for growth

Clear next steps for your business

Increased confidence and clarity

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us to register your interest.

Find an event

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us to register your interest.

Find an event

Meet the Mentors

Cath Strachan
Cath Strachan

Mentor

Bio link

Cath Strachan
Cath Strachan

Mentor

Bio link

Sudha Mani
Sudha Mani

Mentor

Bio link

Nick Sellers
Nick Sellers

Mentor

Bio link

Stephen McQuillan
Stephen McQuillan

Drive Success & Mentor

Bio link

Gallery

  • A group of people engaged in a lively discussion in a meeting room with red chairs. A screen displays a QR code in the background, and the mood is collaborative.
  • A group of people sits in red chairs facing a presentation screen in a conference room. A speaker stands to the side. The screen displays "Cakes in the Kitchen." The atmosphere is focused and attentive.
  • A speaker presents a "Finding Your Inner Warrior" slide to an engaged audience in a well-lit conference room. Attendees sit at tables, taking notes.
  • Woman presents "Finding Your Inner Warrior" on a large screen in a conference room. Attentive audience of women listens, fostering an empowering atmosphere.
  • A group of people engaged in a lively discussion in a meeting room with red chairs. A screen displays a QR code in the background, and the mood is collaborative.
  • A group of people sits in red chairs facing a presentation screen in a conference room. A speaker stands to the side. The screen displays "Cakes in the Kitchen." The atmosphere is focused and attentive.
  • A speaker presents a "Finding Your Inner Warrior" slide to an engaged audience in a well-lit conference room. Attendees sit at tables, taking notes.
  • Woman presents "Finding Your Inner Warrior" on a large screen in a conference room. Attentive audience of women listens, fostering an empowering atmosphere.
  • A group of people engaged in a lively discussion in a meeting room with red chairs. A screen displays a QR code in the background, and the mood is collaborative.
  • A group of people sits in red chairs facing a presentation screen in a conference room. A speaker stands to the side. The screen displays "Cakes in the Kitchen." The atmosphere is focused and attentive.
  • A speaker presents a "Finding Your Inner Warrior" slide to an engaged audience in a well-lit conference room. Attendees sit at tables, taking notes.
  • Woman presents "Finding Your Inner Warrior" on a large screen in a conference room. Attentive audience of women listens, fostering an empowering atmosphere.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit the UK Shared Prosperity Fund supporting documents.