Stewart’s role as chief entrepreneur extended – Daily Business

Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart will continues in her unpaid role, advising the Scottish government, until September 2027.

Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn confirmed the extension of her contract at a Scottish Government-supported event.

The Chief Entrepreneur supports the government on growing the country’s start-up and scale-up economy.

Ms Stewart, who floated her fintech business i-design on AIM in 2007, chose not to be paid for the advisory role after succeeding Mark Logan last year.

He was appointed by former Economy Secretary Kate Forbes and was the first to hold the position but stepped down in October 2024 amid criticism over his remuneration.

In two years July 2022 to July 2024 he was paid £263,863.44 for two days a week. Ms Stewart was appointed in April 2025 until June 2026 and apart from refusing a salary she also does not claim expenses.

Mr Logan was credited with introducing the techscalers, a model which has been copied by other countries, and entrepreneurial activity in Scotland has reached a record high, according to the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

Mr Flynn said: “There is an incredible amount of business talent and innovation across Scotland and the Scottish Government is delivering a record £45 million this year to drive innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship throughout the country.

“It is vital Scotland’s support and interventions are delivered in a way that best supports our entrepreneurs and young businesses.

“As someone who has been behind a number of successful businesses and who knows the ecosystem inside out, Ana brings indispensable insight and advice as Chief Entrepreneur and I am very pleased she will be continuing in the role.”

Ms Stewart said: “Scotland must create real and lasting momentum to help more ambitious businesses emerge and grow.

“Progress has been made in creating the conditions for entrepreneurs to start, grow and scale their businesses, but there is much more potential to be realised and it will take sustained commitment and collaboration to achieve this.

“I’m pleased to continue working with fellow entrepreneurs, Government and partners to build a clear strategy that helps join the dots for companies, from start up and scale up, to grow and proper using Scotland as a platform for international success.”

Last month she faced criticism that her Pathways Forward initiative, which aims to improve opportunities for women business leaders, has not published data showing what its participating businesses have achieved.

Those involved in the programme pledge two actions and publish what they have accomplished after 12 months.

Several female entrepreneurs and academics have told Daily Business they were frustrated at the lack of information on what has been achieved.

Asked about the lack of published data, Ms Stewart said: “That’s a good shout. We are in the middle of trying to professionalise how the initiative measures and reports its impact.”

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