Duncan McFadzean
- Tell us what about yourself and your venture?
I don’t have a huge amount of experience in this field, but I have a passion for people and a hunger to learn. I was employed to set up and run a new community interest company called 20schemesRetrain. Our mission is to provide opportunities for believers within the schemes of Scotland to be discipled, trained, and enabled to use their gifts for God’s glory through employment. We want to see people in meaningful long-term work that will enable positive change in individuals lives and throughout the community. One of our first pilot businesses is a café in east Lothian called ‘The Wee Café’ where we will employ 4 people from the local schemes.
- How did you get involved with Creo?
I initially got in touch with Rich Robinson through the website as I was looking to partner with other local Christian organisations who are already providing training and support for new Christian businesses. I then found out about the accelerator 9-week programme which I have recently just completed myself. It was great timing as I was just starting on my journey, and it taught me so much at such a crucial stage.
- How did you find your experience of Creo? How did it help your venture?
The 9-week course at CREO was super helpful. The beginning of a new venture is always very busy, juggling lots of different things to get it up and running. The CREO course enabled me to take a step back and look at things I may not have given myself enough time to think through. Such as my own strengths and weaknesses and where I could use support, looking at our values and how we embed them throughout the venture, thinking about short term and long-term goals and our overall vision, along with many other things.
- What are you most excited for in your venture?
I love that I have been given the opportunity to be involved in something from the very beginning and hopefully see it grow and blossom as time goes on, I have learned a substantial amount in the short time I have been with 20schemesRetrain, and I can’t wait to learn more. I am excited to see things get off the ground and to start having an impact on individuals lives and communities throughout Scotland.
- What are some of the things you’re thinking about/questions you are asking as an entrepreneur?
I’ve realised through my journey so far that I often doubt myself and my ability as an entrepreneur. The CREO course has given me more confidence and I have realised the importance of owning my strengths and also humbly asking for help through my weaknesses. I also think that community is a huge part of being a Christian entrepreneur and CREO is a great way to get involved with a community of Christians who are there to encourage each other and work towards the common goal of furthering God’s kingdom.
Amy works for a community interest company and social enterprise, 20schemesRetrain CIC to support believers within the schemes of Scotland get into employment or start up their own business. Amy worked for The Prince’s Trust for 5 years as a youth worker and previous to that she has spent a lot of time travelling the world and working with children and young people in a variety of settings. Amy is an active member of Niddrie Community Church which is also the parent company of 20schemesRetrain.