Scottish EDGE is set to provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs across the whole of Scotland thanks to a new programme backed by £400,000 of Scottish Government funding, including a new partnership with Opportunity North East (ONE).
To recognise the entrepreneurial endeavors of candidates from across Scottish regions, ‘Regional EDGE’, is inviting innovative, high-growth start-ups from the North-east of Scotland, Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus, and the Highlands and Islands to be in with the chance of winning up to £50,000 in prizes.
This new pilot award is the latest initiative in the long-standing relationship between the Scottish Government and Scottish EDGE. The funds will be allocated via a competitive Scottish EDGE process delivered by region specific delivery partners – Opportunity North East, Elevator (Dundee and Angus), GrowBiz (Perth and Kinross), and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Each region will deliver its own ‘finals’, all individually resulting in five winners. Awards in each region will consist of one £50,000 top award, two £15,000, and two £10,000 awards.
Winners are also set to benefit from becoming EDGE Alumni, receiving access to the organisation’s network of contacts and business acumen, while all applicants will receive feedback from a panel of business experts to support them on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Evelyn McDonald CEO and Kevin Walls COO
To date, Scottish EDGE has supported 635 businesses, awarding over £26million in grants and loans to winners representing a range of regions and sectors across Scotland.
Jennifer Craw, CEO of Opportunity North East (ONE), said: “ONE and Scottish EDGE are committed to inspiring and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. We are partnering in Regional EDGE to create a new opportunity for ambitious startups in north east Scotland to secure funding and support. ONE is building entrepreneurial ecosystems in the region’s growth sectors, working with talented and inspiring founders and business leaders to grow innovation-led enterprises. Regional EDGE North East is open to entries from eligible startups across the whole economy and will enable entrepreneurs to take their businesses or ideas forward.”
Simon Hannah, chair of Scottish EDGE, said: “The launch of Regional EDGE showcases our commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship across Scotland’s diverse regions. With the backing of the Scottish Government and our valued delivery partners, Regional EDGE aims to shine a spotlight on promising start-ups in four key areas, providing ambitious entrepreneurs with the critical funding and support they need to bring their bold ideas to life”.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, said: “The partnership between the Scottish Government and Scottish EDGE has long driven our ambition to become a world-leading start-up nation and this new project further emphasises that desire."
Applications open on Monday, December 9, and will be accepted until Monday, January 20, at 2 p.m. After a competitive application process, regional finals will take place in February and March 2025. Each final will be followed by an awards ceremony, hosted by ONE on 20th February for North-east finalists, Growbiz on February 24 for Perth and Kinross, Elevator on February 26 for Dundee and Angus, and HIE on March 6 for the Highlands and Islands.
Applications can be made through the Scottish EDGE website at www.scottishedge.com.