In a powerful step toward supporting women in business outside urban centres, The Open University (OU) in Scotland and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have announced the launch of the Rural Business Bootcamp for Female Entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to equip women in rural areas with the practical skills, knowledge, and support networks they need to build, sustain, and grow their businesses.

Open to women at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey, from early-stage start-ups to long-established ventures, the programme is designed to tackle the persistent challenges faced by female founders in less-connected regions of the country.

Participants will begin with two days of in-person sessions at SRUC’s Barony Campus near Dumfries. This will be followed by a 12-week mentorship programme and extended access to further business support services and infrastructure. The bootcamp will cover essential areas such as financial planning, marketing, and social media strategy, all with the goal of helping participants future-proof and diversify their rural businesses.

To ensure accessibility, organisers are also providing free childcare for children aged three and above, as well as free transportation from Dumfries town centre to the campus.

Bill Mackay, Programme Lead for Rural Business Management at SRUC, emphasized the broader impact of the programme: “We are proud to partner with The Open University in Scotland on this important initiative. At SRUC, we are deeply committed to supporting the rural economy, and this bootcamp offers a vital opportunity for women to access the resources and networks they need to thrive. Empowering women entrepreneurs is not only good for business – it’s good for the entire rural community.”

With this joint effort, SRUC and The Open University are setting the stage for a more inclusive and resilient rural economy, one where women are equipped and encouraged to lead the way.