Thursday November 27th 2025
Elizabeth Hazley, Programme Lead at EY Foundation, with Nicola Williams, Founder of The Mark Williams Foundation.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Mark Williams Foundation and EY Foundation have teamed up and announced a strategic partnership to deliver The Mark Williams Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme — an initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds through mentorship, education and opportunity.
Nicola Williams, Founder of The Mark Williams Foundation, said:
“Entrepreneurship should not be a privilege reserved for a few — it’s a powerful vehicle for change, innovation and personal growth.
“By partnering with EY Foundation, we’re joining forces with an organisation whose values align strongly with ours — one that already has the infrastructure, experience and commitment to unearth and support young entrepreneurial talent from underrepresented backgrounds. Together, we will open doors, provide support and build futures.”
Through this collaboration, young people who have been identified by EY Foundation, having completed its Step into Business programme, will be offered a place on The Mark Williams Foundation Entrepreneurship course as the next step in their entrepreneurial education. This intensive scheme will equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, networks and mindset required to launch and grow sustainable ventures.
The programme will combine:
– Structured mentorship designed by successful business leaders.
– Practical, real-world learning experiences through a combination of one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and online masterclasses.
– Access to critical knowledge on business planning, investment, growth, innovation, and leadership, all while developing the confidence and networks they need to succeed.
The Mark Williams Foundation has committed to nurturing young entrepreneurs and providing pathways out of disadvantage. By joining forces, these two organisations will expand reach, enrich the programme with diverse expertise, and provide a robust pipeline of under-represented young talent into entrepreneurship.
This programme is specifically designed for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who have experienced socio-economic deprivation, limited access to higher education, or who are under-represented in enterprise. Participants will emerge with a viable business plan, a network of mentors, and access to follow-on support to turn their venture ideas into reality.
The goal of the programme is to spark ambition, create jobs, and build a new generation of entrepreneurs who will contribute to Scotland’s future economy.
Jodie McNally, Chief Programmes Officer at EY Foundation, added:
“This is a fantastic initiative designed to support young people who lack opportunity due to their circumstances but who have real potential to succeed in the business world. It is the perfect follow on to our programme and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have.”
Initial funding has been provided by the Williams family and further topped up following the success of the recent launch event, raising more than £100,000. This will help The Foundation to reach more families, offer more mentorships, and deepen its impact across Scotland.
The programme will launch its first cohort in Scotland in January 2026 and updates on cohort progress, success stories, and lessons learned will be shared periodically, helping to scale the model and inspire the next generation of future founders.
The Mark Williams Foundation was created in memory of Mark Williams to support families struggling to access both parents during separation, and to empower young people through entrepreneurship. The Foundation works with community partners, family law professionals, and business mentors to create practical, life-changing opportunities that restore balance, build confidence, and strengthen futures.
For more information on the foundation click here.
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