BobbAI

🎥 Ecosystem Spotlight Every social enterprise starts with an idea, but the right funding and support can help turn that idea into lasting impact. In this edition of Ecosystem Spotlight, Ray Banks, Programme Manager for the Social Entrepreneurs Fund at Firstport , shares how grassroots social entrepreneurs can access support from the earliest stages of their journey through to investment. If you are someone building a business with purpose, this is for you. #EcosystemSpotlight #SocialEnterprise #Entrepreneurship #FounderSupport #SocialImpact

🐾 Funding Spotlight SPT Community Path Fund - Grants of up to £15,000 for community organisations improving local walking and wheeling routes across the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport region. Walking Scotland has opened applications for the SPT Community Path Fund, supported by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. The fund helps communities deliver small capital projects that make local paths and public spaces safer, more accessible and easier to use for everyday journeys. The headlines: 💜 Grants of up to £15,000 💜 Applications of up to £3,000 can receive 100% of eligible project costs 💜 Applications between £3,001 and £15,000 can receive up to 75% of total project costs 💜 At least 25% match funding is required for grants above £3,000 💜 Eligible volunteer contributions can count towards the match funding 💜 Open to constituted community organisations with a bank account in the SPT region 💜 Current webpage deadline: Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 12:00pm What it can fund: The fund supports practical improvements to local walking and wheeling infrastructure. This can include building new paths, upgrading existing routes, removing accessibility barriers, installing seating and directional signage, adding lighting, commissioning technical design work and planting wildlife-friendly trees or shrubs alongside walking routes. Who it’s for: Community organisations operating within the SPT region, including constituted community groups, registered charities, educational establishments, community councils, development trusts and national park authorities. The fund is not open to individuals, sole traders, commercial businesses or local authorities. Why it matters: Small infrastructure changes can make a significant difference to whether people feel able to walk or wheel through their local area. Removing a restrictive gate, improving an uneven surface or adding a place to rest can help connect residents with schools, services, public transport and green spaces. This funding gives community organisations the resources to turn those practical improvements into deliverable projects. Apply: https://lnkd.in/e5zBYmqa This opportunity was surfaced by BobbAI from Walking Scotland, one of over 80 organisations whose updates we read each week so you don’t have to. #FundingSpotlight #CommunityFunding #ActiveTravel #WalkingAndWheeling #CommunityDevelopment #Glasgow #SPT #WalkingScotland #BobbAI

🐾 Course Spotlight Scottish Rural Leadership Programme is a six-month leadership journey poweredfor ambitious rural SME leaders who want to think more strategically, explore new opportunities and lead change across rural Scotland. Applications are now open for the 2026–27 Scottish Rural Leadership Programme, delivered by Elevator on behalf of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, with support from the The Scottish Government . Rather than a collection of standalone workshops, the programme creates space for rural leaders to step away from day-to-day business pressures, challenge their thinking and develop the confidence, capability and connections needed to lead transformational change. The headlines: 💜 Six-month programme running from October 2026 to March 2027 💜 10 days of immersive residential learning and leadership experiences 💜 Three hours of one-to-one coaching 💜 Peer learning and collaboration with rural leaders from across Scotland 💜 Access to a network of more than 1,000 programme alumni 💜 Participant contribution: £880 + VAT 💜 Application deadline: Friday 4 September 2026 What it covers: The programme combines residential learning, coaching, facilitated discussions and practical business application. Participants will explore leadership, innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration and international opportunities while considering how to create greater impact within their businesses, communities and Scotland’s rural economy. Who it’s for: Ambitious leaders of rural SMEs across Scotland who are ready to invest time in their own development, challenge their assumptions and explore new approaches to leadership and business growth. Applicants should be able to commit fully to every stage of the programme, including the residential experiences, coaching and collaboration with the wider cohort. Why it matters: Running a rural business can leave little space to step back and consider the bigger picture. This programme gives leaders the time, structure and peer network to look beyond immediate pressures, identify new possibilities and return to their businesses with fresh ideas and greater confidence. The participant contribution helps cover the accommodation, meals and travel associated with the residential elements, making a substantial six-month leadership experience more accessible. Apply or register your interest: https://lnkd.in/eFyMn-yx This opportunity was surfaced by BobbAI from Elevator, one of over 80 organisations whose updates we read each week so you don’t have to. #RuralBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #RuralScotland #SMEs #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSupport #ElevatorUK #BobbAI

🐾 Events Spotlight: IBioIC Events Database A curated hub of events, training and networking opportunities for Scotland’s industrial biotechnology and bioeconomy community. The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) maintains an events database bringing together conferences, workshops, webinars, networking sessions and specialist training from across the biotechnology ecosystem. Whether you’re a founder, researcher, innovator or simply curious about the sector, it’s a great place to discover what’s happening next. The headlines: 💜 Free and paid events listed in one place 💜 Opportunities to network with industry, academia, investors and policymakers 💜 Specialist training in areas such as bioprocessing, fermentation and scale-up 💜 Events hosted by IBioIC and organisations across the UK biotech ecosystem 💜 Regularly updated with new opportunities throughout the year What it covers: The database features technical training, conferences, webinars, innovation showcases, networking events and sector-specific workshops focused on industrial biotechnology, engineering biology, sustainable manufacturing and the wider bioeconomy. Who it’s for: Founders, startups, SMEs, researchers, students, innovators and anyone interested in industrial biotechnology, sustainability, engineering biology or Scotland’s growing bioeconomy ecosystem. Why it matters: The best opportunities don’t always come through your LinkedIn feed. Having one place that aggregates high-quality industry events makes it easier to build your network, stay on top of emerging trends and find the right training to grow your business or career. Explore the events database: https://lnkd.in/dwVrdJ8x This opportunity was surfaced by BobbAI from IBioIC, one of over 80 organisations whose updates we read each week so you don’t have to. #IndustrialBiotechnology #EngineeringBiology #Scotland #Innovation #Biotech #Networking #BusinessSupport #BobbAI

🎥 Ecosystem Spotlight Every founder’s journey is different, but the right community and support can make all the difference. 💜 In this edition of Ecosystem Spotlight, Christina Sandhu FRSA MBA , CEO of Scottish Asian Business Association , shares how collaboration, shared experiences and access to the right networks can help entrepreneurs build their confidence and grow their businesses. At BobbAI, we’re passionate about creating more opportunities for diverse founders to connect, learn and thrive. #EcosystemSpotlight #Entrepreneurship #Community #FounderSupport #InclusiveInnovation

🐾💜This week, we had the opportunity to attend Art of Possible: Clyde Built to Perform at the Glasgow Science Centre The event brought together leaders from across Scotland’s health, wellbeing and innovation ecosystem to explore how technology, research and entrepreneurship are redefining human health and performance. It was inspiring to hear insights from Chaloner Chute, Tom Morton, Dave Hughes, Yola Jones, Professor Ross Tuffee and Stephen Breslin alongside many others working to drive innovation and impact across Scotland. Thank you to Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow City of Science and Innovation, and all the s peakers and attendees for an insightful afternoon of learning, discussion and connection. MotionLabs archangel® Halya Seluna #HealthInnovation #DigitalHealth #Innovation #Scotland #HealthTech #TechFounders #AI

Applications are open for the Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) | Createch Slush 2026, Finland. This intensive programme supports innovative UK companies with high-growth ambitions to build international connections, strengthen investment readiness and explore new market opportunities. Participants will gain access to Slush 2026 in Helsinki, connect with investors and potential partners, and receive ongoing support from an Innovate UK Business Growth specialist. If you're developing innovative products, platforms or services in the video games, advertising technology or marketing technology sectors, this could be your opportunity to accelerate growth on a global stage. 📅 Application deadline: 30 July 2026 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/8A0H50ZohnB #GBIP #Slush2026 #Createch #InternationalBusiness #Investment #VideoGames #AdTech #MarTech #ScaleUp

🎥 Founder Tips Pricing isn’t just about costs, it’s about the value you create. 💜 In this reel, our Co-Founder Bayile Adeoti FRSA shares why understanding your customers, building genuine relationships and communicating your value are the foundations of a strong pricing strategy. What’s the best pricing lesson you’ve learned as a founder? Share it in the comments! 👇 #Entrepreneurship #PricingStrategy #FounderTips #BusinessGrowth #Bobbai

🎥 Ecosystem Spotlight Every entrepreneurial journey is different, but having the right support can make all the difference. In this edition of Ecosystem Spotlight, our Co-Founder Bayile Adeoti FRSA shares how BobbAI helps founders and businesses navigate Scotland’s innovation ecosystem, build meaningful connections and unlock opportunities for growth. We’re passionate about making entrepreneurship more accessible by connecting people with the networks, knowledge and support they need to succeed. #EcosystemSpotlight #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StartupScotland #BusinessGrowth Bayile Adeoti FRSA Matthew Kendrick Jesse Henderson Tushar Vashista Daniela Valdes Ochoa

🎥 Ecosystem Spotlight Innovation is driven by collaboration. In this edition of Ecosystem Spotlight, Shelley Breckenridge, Senior Innovation Engagement Leader at Interface, shares how businesses across Scotland can access academic expertise, research and innovation support to accelerate their growth. Organisations like Interface play a vital role in connecting businesses with universities, colleges and research institutes, helping ideas become real-world impact. Thank you, Shelley, for sharing your insights and for the incredible work Interface does to strengthen Scotland’s innovation ecosystem. #EcosystemSpotlight #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #KnowledgeExchange #Scotland Bayile Adeoti FRSA Jesse Henderson Matthew Kendrick Tushar Vashista Daniela Valdes Ochoa