First Tracks – The UK’S First Cycling and Outdoor Business Incubator Programme.

It delivers a programme of core business support from fantastic business coach professionals but also offers a unique selection of sessions that deliver a wealth of cycling and other relevant industry expertise that is not available elsewhere.

First Tracks is for Entrepreneurs that are starting out on their business journey. Applicants are welcome from both the South of Scotland and from the rest of the UK but must be able to travel to Glentress for some sessions.

All you need to apply is;

• have a new idea you want to turn into a real product or service offer
• desire to develop the skills needed to set up and run a successful business or organisation
• you may have experience operating as a freelancer or as a micro-business or no previous experience
• you may want to develop a diversified part of an existing business

• Guidance and coaching tailored to your individual business needs or idea in both group and 1-2-1 settings while networking within the First Tracks cohort.

• First tracks will help you build the solid foundations you need for business growth and looks to create a strong mindset with resilience, confidence and the skills needed to make robust business decisions.
• The programme allows you to select add on group sessions on specific topics that are relevant to your business: led by bicycle and outdoor industry professionals.
• A new network of likeminded entrepreneurs and businesses who want to work together to share their experience and knowledge of building and growing a business
• There will be a range of inspiring speakers presenting on related topics and with inspirational business stories to get you stoked to get started on your journey!
• Networking and focus group session where you can test your ideas with the cohort and with external enthusiasts in the market if you feel ready.
• Learn all about opportunities for Funding and Investment: gain the confidence to identify, approach funders, and secure funding.
• Access to a huge network of possible innovation, academic and research support both at Edinburgh Napier but also across the European networks.
• Post program support with an enterprise agency advisor from SOSE, access to ongoing support network from Napier Bright Red Triangle, and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland.
• If you belong to an under-represented group and are located in the South of Scotland you could be eligible to receive a direct £1,000 grant.

We are accepting applications from November 8th to December 31st.

The programme runs for 8 weeks from 20th January 2025 and there will be compulsory 1-2-1 sessions most weeks with a business coach (expected to be online)

Compulsory attendance is expected at a network and focus group session in week 7 at Glentress Peel.

A mix of online and hybrid specialist sessions and talks that will be adapted to the cohort. These will include;

• Sector specific marketing advice
• Cycling sector regulation and safety from the Bicycle Association of Great Britain
• Market data session from the Bicycle Association of Great Britain
• Circular economy and sustainability guidance
• Adventure Tourism data session

There is no catch, it is free to join and funded by a combination of the partners involved.

While First Tracks is technically based in the South of Scotland it is open to anyone located in the UK who feels they would benefit from the programme and are prepared to travel here for some sessions. In the event of oversubscription, the preference will be for those located in Scotland.

The core programme delivery is co-hosted between SOSE and Edinburgh Napier University;

For Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders or companies actively looking to set up or relocate in these areas then your 1-2-1 sessions will be delivered by a experienced business coach from SOSE.

Anyone in the rest of the UK can still apply, and their 1-2-1 support will be delivered from the team at Edinburgh Napier’s Bright Red Triangle entrepreneur and business specialists.

All participant are expected to travel to Glentress in the Scottish Borders for some of the programme.

This Joint approach between the delivery partners we hope will deliver a strong cohort of applicants and breadth of experience from across the country. This will ensure you get as much as possible from fellow participants and the specialist expertise on offer. You will receive the same seamless experience and ensures access to the best after programme support.