Borders College is set to strengthen its focus on enterprise and innovation through participation in a new Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) programme, launched to embed entrepreneurship as a core life skill across Scotland’s colleges.
The initiative, part of the Scottish Government’s Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, will see five entrepreneurial champions appointed across the country to support colleges in developing business acumen, nurturing creative ideas, and connecting students and staff with Scotland’s wider innovation ecosystem.
Borders College will take part in the Start-Up South initiative alongside Dumfries and Galloway College. Through this, an Entrepreneurial Champion will work closely with staff and students, offering expert guidance to develop enterprising mindsets, enhance curriculum delivery, and inspire the next generation of innovators in the Scottish Borders.
The presence of an Entrepreneur in Residence will bring real-world experience directly into the classroom, giving students access to entrepreneurial insights and mentoring opportunities. Staff will also benefit through collaborative workshops, curriculum development support, and new industry partnerships, strengthening the College’s ongoing commitment to creativity, innovation, and enterprise.
Dale Clancy, Head of Sector for Creative, Enterprise, Technology & Essential Skills, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for Borders College to strengthen our culture of creativity and innovation. Having an Entrepreneurial Champion on board will inspire both staff and students to think differently, develop new ideas, and gain the confidence to turn those ideas into reality. It’s another great step towards embedding enterprise across everything we do and preparing our learners to thrive in a fast-changing economy.”
Funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Interface in partnership with the Connect-Ed Network, the programme has been shaped with input from Colleges Scotland and the College Development Network (CDN). It aims to build sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems within colleges and support Scotland’s ambition to become one of the most entrepreneur-friendly nations in Europe.
Running until May 2026, the programme will share best practice, learning, and resources across the sector, ensuring that the positive impact continues well beyond its initial rollout—helping Borders College students and staff turn ideas into real-world success.