One Year On: Is the Pathways Pledge Reshaping Scottish Entrepreneurship?

One year ago, the Pathways Pledge launched with a bold ambition: to break down systemic barriers in Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. But is it working?

I first met Ana Stewart in October 2022 when she was writing the Pathways report, commissioned by Scottish Minister Kate Forbes. A successful entrepreneur, investor, and NED, Ana is funny, warm, and unmistakably down-to-earth Scottish.

That report, published in 2023, made waves. But Ana knew a report wasn’t enough. Real change requires action. So in 2024, alongside some amazing supporters, she launched the Pathways Pledge, a movement dedicated to making Scotland’s entrepreneurial landscape truly inclusive.

From Words to Action: What’s Changed?

Yesterday, Pathways brought together founders, investors, and business leaders at the Edinburgh Futures Institute to review progress. We heard updates from Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, the latest stats from Scale Up Institute Irene Graham OBE, and a panel of pledge business leaders shared their learnings, expertly hosted by Eleanor Shaw.

Since launching in February 2024, the Pathways Pledge has:

? United 25+ organisations committed to real change

? Generated 60+ pledges translating into action

? Launched support networks, the Growth Summit & challenged outdated norms

This isn’t about good intentions, it’s about collective responsibility and measurable outcomes.

Addressing the Skeptics

Kate Forbes tackled the elephant in the room: some doubt this will work.

??? “This is just corporate virtue-signaling.”

?? That’s why we’re tracking impact, measuring funding, network growth, and access to opportunities.

?? “Money alone won’t fix this.”

?? True. It’s about changing decision-making frameworks, not just investment.

?? “It focuses too much on gender.”

?? This is about inclusion for all, across race, disability, background, and geography.

?? “It’s not the Governments job to fix this.” Nor is it the Investors, Business leaders or Founders. It's a collective effort, we are all accountable and can all take action. That's the essence of the Pledge.

Why This Matters for Businesses

This isn’t just about fairness, it’s about economic growth.

Diverse entrepreneurs create jobs, fuel innovation, and strengthen industries. But outdated biases shut out too many talented founders.

If Scotland wants to be a global leader in entrepreneurship, we need to stop wasting potential.

What’s Next?

Momentum means nothing without action. Over the next year, Pathways will:

? Expand the movement - more organisations, more partners

? Measure impact - so pledges turn into real results

? Drive systemic change - improving policies and funding structures

? Amplify success stories - because representation fuels progress

And more businesses will step up by:

?? Reviewing investment processes to remove bias

?? Expanding mentorship for underrepresented groups

?? Sharing best practices to build an inclusive ecosystem

The Pathways Pledge is a movement - and you can be part of it.

?? Get involved: https://pathwaysforward.co/

Scotland’s entrepreneurial future is being reshaped. Let’s make sure it’s for the better.

#PathwaysPledge #InclusiveEntrepreneurship #ScotlandBusiness #DiversityInBusiness