​Knowvate Hub is excited to invite business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to join us at the 3rd edition of the Include & Inspire Business Series.

​This will feature a series of inclusive events and online resources to showcase local success stories from minority ethnic entrepreneurs and encourage others to explore entrepreneurship as a viable path.

​​We will hear from successful entrepreneurs in Scotland from the ethnic minority communities and it'll be an opportunity to network and meet other business owners.

​Join us on the 6th of March at Codebase Stirling.

​This is a hybrid event with the opportunity to watch live on our YouTube channel

​Who is this for:

​** Those curious about entrepreneurship as a career path

​** Founders from minority ethnic communities looking for a supportive peer network

​** Those interested in breaking down barriers to inclusion in the business community

​What to expect:

​** Fireside chat interviews with established entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds

​** Networking with like-minded individuals from all walks of life

​** Business advice and startup support

​** Authentic African food and drink

​Speaker Profiles:

​**Chris Boyland - Vice-President: Regional Development at Codebase**

​Chris Boyland is a public service professional with over sixteen years of experience leading legislation, policy development, and operational delivery for governments in England and Scotland. He has worked on major projects, such as establishing Scotland's developed social security system. He is currently on secondment from the government to the role of Vice-President: Regional Development at Codebase, the largest start-up incubator, working with a team of regional heads to address barriers to access growth and opportunities for potential and existing start-up founders around Scotland. His role focuses on leveraging the diverse strengths and opportunities in Scotland's regions to transform our nation's entrepreneurial tech ecosystem.

​**Solomon Adeniji - Founder, Scot Study**

​Solomon Adeniji is an entrepreneur and the founder of Scot-Study® (a Scottish application platform trademarked by the UKIPO) in the United Kingdom. My wealth of experience in international higher education outsourcing, HEIrecruitment, and education tourism industries has been built over a decade now. I am a member of different professional bodies with a couple of awards.

​***Dr Yekemi Otaru - CGO & Co-founder Doqaru Limited***

​Dr Yekemi Otaru is an award-winning entrepreneur, Chief Growth Officer, and Co-founder at Doqaru Limited. Doqaru works with individuals and teams to boost sales capabilities and, thus, revenue growth. Yekemi is a GlobalScot, an avid supporter of women in business, and a mentor for businesswomen in the world's poorest countries.
Yekemi is a published B2B social media author who inspires her audience through her significant online presence to achieve great things. She is best known for her authentic personal stories and uplifting content.
In September 2021, Yekemi was appointed Chancellor at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). UWS awarded her an honorary doctorate for her contributions and commitment to higher education and learning in June 2022. Last year, she won Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year at The Great British Awards 2023. Her business also scooped the Business of Excellence of the Year award at the Black Scottish Awards last November. 

​About KnowVate Hub:

​KnowVate Hub is building a community of ethnic minority entrepreneurs to encourage collaboration and networking. This is because as ethnic minority founders ourselves, we understand the pain points of building a business without existing networks and connections. Let’s all be that network for each other - Join the Community

​This initiative is supported by the Ecosystem Fund 2023/2024 from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, in collaboration with Startup Grind and Black Professionals Scotland.