Food and drink entrepreneurs can THRIVE with programme insight 

Workshops and webinars are being offered to help anyone who wants to kickstart their journey in the
food and drink sector.

THRIVE 2024 offers participants the chance to gain crucial entrepreneurial skills and meet industry
experts who can help turn their ideas into reality.

Delivered by experts from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Queen Margaret University (QMU)
the programme is now in its fourth year.

Aimed at students, graduates, and early-stage entrepreneurs, THRIVE offers the skills vital for
concept development and business growth, as well as providing insight focused on legislation,
marketing, and manufacturing.

Ceri Ritchie, Principal Consultant at SAC Consulting (part of SRUC), said: “THRIVE is about
helping to create resilient start-up food & drink businesses – entrepreneurs with awareness of the need
for pace and perseverance in their approach.

“It can help build a business where there is a real demand for its products, and that has adaptable
strategies, equipped to scale over time.

“From the start we want to encourage entrepreneurs to be aware of the value they bring to customers
and have a long-term view.

“This is our fourth year delivering THRIVE and it is a privilege to share our commercial experience
and industry knowledge with Scotland’s embryonic food, drink, and rural entrepreneurs.

“I look forward to meeting the 2024 participants, the fantastic discussions we will have and to another
successful programme.”

As well as being designed for students and graduates, THRIVE is also open to people in food & drink
manufacturing, hospitality, diversified agriculture or food and farm shops who have ambitions to
develop as entrepreneurs or even who just have an idea in the making.

Applications for the programme that will run from August to November are now open and can be
made via Eventbrite.

Last year’s edition of THRIVE was a tremendous success attracting 53 participants from Shetland to
Whithorn and Tighnabruaich to Crail.