Scott-Moncrieff backs Converge Challenge to attract next generation of entrepreneurs

Scottish accountancy firm Scott-Moncrieff has announced their support for a leading university programme at the launch of the 2018 company creation programme.

Converge Challenge, now in its eighth year, is aimed at staff, students and recent graduates from all Scottish universities, inspiring them to develop their ideas into viable and successful ventures.

The competition attracted over 200 entries in 2017. Between 2011 and 2016, the programme provided training to 180 businesses that have an overall survival rate of 78 per cent post three years. The Challenge provides applicants with the opportunity to go from idea inception to being a feasible and scalable business both nationally and globally.

Olga Kozlova, director of Converge Challenge, said: “In 2018 we are encouraging staff, students and recent graduates from all our excellent Scottish Universities to apply and take advantage of our offering that turns innovative concepts and projects into growing businesses and helps create a new generation of entrepreneurs.”

Scott-Moncrieff partner, Gareth Magee, said: “We are really excited to be supporting these companies in their commercialisation. Scotland has a great track record in enabling companies to achieve their potential and this programme fits with our passion for helping to make that happen. We’re delighted to be supporting the programme and look forward to mentoring these ambitious entrants.”

Converge Alumni success stories include:

The 2018 programme has a total prize fund of cash and in-kind, business support packages valued at over £160,000+, finalists also receive an intensive series of support workshops across the duration of the programme, leading up to the awards in September 2018.

The Converge Challenge 2018 categories are:

Converge Challenge is funded by the Scottish Funding Council and partner universities and contributors: University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University, University of Stirling, University of Strathclyde, University of St Andrews & The Royal Society of Edinburgh. Supporting universities include: Edinburgh Napier University, Robert Gordon University and the University of the West of Scotland.

Converge Challenge opened for applications on Wednesday and will remain open until the closing date of Thursday 29 March 2018 at 5.00pm GMT.

To enter visit www.convergechallenge.com