Ana Stewart has been appointed as Scotland’s new Chief Entrepreneur in a bid to supercharge the nation’s start-up and scale-up ecosystem.
A respected investor and co-author of the influential Pathways report on women in entrepreneurship, she will serve in the role until July 2026.
Her remit places her at the heart of advising the Scottish Government on expanding the start-up economy.
She will lead efforts to deliver the Pathways report recommendations and champion the development of Scotland’s risk capital market.
Ms Stewart is also tasked with strengthening links between academia and business, especially by helping spinout companies grow and thrive.
Her role will see her work closely with investors, founders and educational institutions to embed entrepreneurship across the country.
She is expected to ensure policy is informed by the lived realities of the business community and that there are clearer routes into enterprise for all.
The announcement was marked by a visit to Inspirent, a Hamilton-based social enterprise, alongside Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.
The visit also launched a fresh £700,000 round of the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund, now in its third year.
Inspirent will deliver the fund this year, aiming to boost the impact of Scotland’s entrepreneurial support network.
A fully digitised application system has been introduced to speed up funding decisions and improve access across Scotland.
This round of funding will focus on backing grassroots projects and community-led organisations that support new businesses.
Since its inception in 2021-22, the Ecosystem Fund has awarded £2.6 million to 75 innovation-driven initiatives.
Kate Forbes said Scotland must support businesses from the earliest stage to ensure economic resilience and growth.
She described Ms Stewart as an outstanding leader who brings experience and clarity to the Government’s enterprise ambitions.
Forbes stressed the importance of listening to entrepreneurs and shaping policy around their insight and challenges.
Ana Stewart said her personal journey as an entrepreneur would inform a strategy focused on better access, faster funding and joined-up delivery.
She said entrepreneurship drives economic progress and it is essential both public and private sectors collaborate to support founders.
Bruce Walker of the Ecosystem Builders Network said the fund has already played a crucial role in empowering Scotland’s entrepreneurial landscape.
He said it offers practical support at vital moments and helps link ventures with global networks and experienced mentors.
Walker noted that beyond individual business growth, the fund has strengthened the wider ecosystem and supported inclusive, long-term impact.
He said the knock-on effects are felt across communities, energising local leaders and building a more connected entrepreneurial culture.
This renewed backing signals a commitment to long-term, sustainable growth powered by innovative businesses and bold ideas.
