BUDDING businesses are being given the support they need to thrive.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) works with some of the world's top institutions to support the next generation of international social entrepreneurs.

And now it's enterprise hub, UHatch, has been officially opened by Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf.

Mr Yousaf said: "The launch of UHatch shows GCU's commitment to ensuring all its students, graduates and staff have the resources they need to fulfil their potential.

"The Scottish Government is committed to Scotland CAN DO, our national statement of intent towards becoming a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation.

"Facilities such as UHatch help our enterprising people develop their entrepreneurial skills and gives them the opportunity to flourish."

UHatch is a GCU initiative to help students, staff and alumni develop their entrepreneurial skills.

It has already started working with 15 students and four businesses since it opened its doors in June 2014.

UHatch gives budding entrepreneurs access to specialised research, mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, workspaces and support from the University as well as networking opportunities, nationally and internationally.

At yesterday's launch, Mr Yousaf spoke to students and graduates about their plans for the future.

He chatted with BA (Hons) Business Studies student Stephen Chalmers, whose company Altogether Travel Ltd offers tailored holidays to those who need round-the-clock care.

Stephen is working with UHatch to grow and develop his business while completing his studies.

The event included presentations from the Minister, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, and the academic lead for UHatch, Professor Bruce Wood.

It was also attended by students, alumni and senior business leaders

Professor Gillies spoke of GCU's ongoing commitment to its social mission as a University for the Common Good and partnership working with its stakeholders.

Professor Wood than discussed the success and engagement of students so far, highlighting the social entrepreneurial mindset embedded in learning and teaching across the university.

GCU is the first Scottish university and only the second in the UK to be awarded Ashoka U Changemaker status, connecting GCU with a network of universities including Brown, Cornell, Duke and Johns Hopkins in the US.

The partnership is committed to using the power of education to drive positive social change and to develop the next generation of international social entrepreneurs.