A scheme aimed at helping Scotland's young entrepreneurs has been given a £1 million funding boost.
'Starter for 6' offers advice and funding to people wanting to set out on their own in the creative industries.
Now, Creative Scotland is extending the initiative's funding to offer an extended service supporting more up-and-coming talent over the next two years.
The scheme has already provided assistance to more than 80 new businesses, as well as offering advice to 200 more budding entrepreneurs.
Keira Thorley, from Carluke, is one of those who was given help from Starter for 6 to boost her business in Edinburgh.
The young fashion designer, who specialises in leather goods, has been nominated for the Vogue Young Designer of the Year 2009 and the New Talent Scottish Style award 2009.
Earlier this year, she was awarded £5,600 which she plans to use to fund a London trade show.
Keira said: “Since being on the Starter for 6 programme things have really started to move forward for my business.
"I have a final meeting with a brilliant sales agent in London who has strong connections to the best UK retailers, Liberty, Selfridges and Harrods, amongst others.”
In addition, Keira has sourced a new sampler for the garments which will improve the overall quality of manufacture and finish of the designs.
Her range is now being stocked in boutiques across the UK, including Boudiche in Edinburgh & Glasgow and she is now looking to expand into Europe and the USA.
Creative Scotland '09 Chairman Ewan Brown believes it is success like Keira's which demonstrates how far the new funding could go.
He said: "Creative Scotland’s Innovation fund will put new funds directly into the hands of our brightest creative talent, reinforcing our commitment to pioneering new businesses.
"Our economic health depends on investing in our creative potential and Starter for 6 is a proven success in finding and investing in promising entrepreneurs."
Minister for Culture Michael Russell said: “I am pleased that Creative Scotland's Innovation Fund is being used to extend the Starter for 6 scheme which will support and develop Scotland’s most innovative entrepreneurs.
"Building on the success of a scheme with a proven track record can only be good news for the creative industries."
