The bank is currently accepting applications to its fully funded support programme for Scottish businesses looking to scale and succeed.

Successful applicants will benefit from full use of the Hub’s modern coworking spaces in the city centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as access to a calendar of networking events and one-to-one coaching.

Since its launch, the programme has empowered over 1,000 businesses in Scotland and also includes a Digital Accelerator which offers a virtual programme of support to entrepreneurs based across the country.

Karen Robinson, founder of oat milk brand, Three Robins, has been a member of the Accelerator Hub since 2021. The busy mum of three started the business after noticing a gap in the market for a high-quality, healthy alternative to traditional dairy products when her son developed a lactose intolerance.

The product range was officially launched to the market in May 2022 and has proven an immediate hit with children and adults alike, particularly appealing to families looking for a milk-alternative that doesn’t compromise on nutritional value.

Talking of her experience on the Hub, Karen Robinson said: “Prior to starting Three Robins, my background was in international development, and I spent over 20 years working in women’s rights. This involved a lot of travelling to war impacted areas and after a while, it just wasn’t working with family life.

“The idea for Three Robins came about when my son, Christopher, developed a lactose intolerance. We’d be buying several different milk products to suit everyone’s needs and tastes and I remember thinking, it shouldn’t be this complicated to find a product that suits everyone – so I decided to make one.

“Since launching the business, we’ve grown from strength to strength and the support we’ve received from the Edinburgh Accelerator Hub has been invaluable. Having access to a group of like-minded business owners gives you a sounding board to bounce ideas off, and the one-to-one mentoring has given me insight I wouldn’t have otherwise had having not come from a business background.

“We were recently awarded funding from Scottish Edge to fuel our next chapter of the business and were also able to exhibit our products alongside the Bank at this year’s Royal Highland Show. This allowed us to introduce our range to an entirely new audience and I’m excited to keep working alongside Royal Bank of Scotland as we continue to grow.”

Mandy Bailey, regional eco-system manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “We are champions of Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent and want to give all business owners the tools they need to scale and succeed.

“Entrepreneur Accelerator is currently accepting applications for its next cohort, and we’re excited to welcome the best and brightest businesses into our Edinburgh and Glasgow Hubs as well as our virtual community.”

The Royal Bank Accelerator programme supports and empowers entrepreneurs across Scotland to scale their businesses to the next level, offering one-to-one coaching, a calendar of thought leadership and events, access to a network of like-minded peers, and full-time use of a modern coworking space.

Based out of the bank’s state-of-the-art city centre offices in Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square and Glasgow’s Queen Street, the programme is currently accepting applicants for its next intake. Ambitious business owners are invited to apply here before applications close on 18th August.