Elevator's Empower: Creative Futures Programme

Business support organisation Elevator, in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council, has recently delivered on the first initiative within its Empower: Creative Futures programme.  The Start-Up Studio welcomed a strong cohort of local founders ready to turn their creative ideas into businesses and social enterprises. The 4-day accelerator provided practical business skills, 1-to-1 coaching, and access to a supportive local network.

The Empower: Creative Futures programme has been designed to help creative and digital entrepreneurs and social enterprises across the region start, grow and thrive. The project received £40,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Recognising the vital role of the creative and digital sectors in shaping the local economy, Empower: Creative Futures will offer two fully funded, in-person programmes providing founders and SMEs with the skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed.

“Perth & Kinross is home to incredible creative energy – from artists and makers to digital innovators and purpose-driven social enterprises,” said Roz Taylor, Operations Director at Elevator. “Empower: Creative Futures will give these entrepreneurs the practical tools, digital knowledge and peer support to turn their ideas into sustainable, future-ready businesses.”

Delivered by Elevator on behalf of Perth & Kinross Council, Empower: Creative Futures is built around three key goals:

• Championing creativity and innovation as engines of regional growth
• Equipping founders and SMEs with business and digital skills to succeed
• Connecting local talent to opportunity through collaboration, coaching and expert-led learning

By strengthening the creative and digital business base, the programme aims to boost the local economy, drive digital adoption and increase resilience across the sector.

Your 2026 opportunity 

Digital Horizons – Helping Creative & Digital Businesses Scale Up and Compete

Targeted at established creative and digital SMEs, or social enterprises, this 6-day growth programme focuses on adopting new technology, digital marketing, and productivity tools to help businesses scale sustainably.

• Designed for growth-ready SMEs
• Next cohort: January–February 2026
• Applications close: 7 January 2026

The programme is fully funded and open to eligible creative and digital businesses based in Perth & Kinross.

Visit www.elevatoruk.com/empower-creative-futures to find out more and apply.

A partnership for regional growth

Council Leader, and Convener of Economy and Infrastructure, Councillor Eric Drysdale, said: “The creative and digital industries play a key role in shaping the future of Perth & Kinross – driving innovation, attracting investment and enriching our communities. Through Empower: Creative Futures, we’re investing in the talent and ambition of our local entrepreneurs, helping them to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. Working with Elevator to deliver this initiative demonstrates our shared commitment to building a more dynamic, inclusive and resilient local economy.”

As one of Scotland’s leading business support organisations, Elevator brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, digital transformation and community-driven growth. Through Empower: Creative Futures, Elevator and Perth & Kinross Council are investing in the region’s most imaginative minds – helping turn creative passion into economic opportunity.