Regional EDGE

Regional EDGE is a competitive funding programme designed to broaden the reach of Scottish EDGE support across Scotland, particularly focusing on businesses in Tayside, Aberdeen, Highlands & Islands, and South of Scotland. The programme aims to ensure that businesses across Scotland, especially those in regions that may not have previously engaged with EDGE, feel encouraged to participate. The initiative strengthens relationships with regional partners who possess invaluable local expertise and are embedded within their communities. The programme is backed by £400,000 of Scottish Government funding, split across four regions. Each region delivers its own finals, with five winners per region selected through a competitive process. Awards in each region consist of one £50,000 top award (with a 70/30 loan/grant split), two £15,000 awards (grant only), and two £10,000 awards (grant only). The funds are allocated via regional delivery partners including Opportunity North East, Elevator, GrowBiz, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise. Applicants must submit an online application including a 3-minute video pitch. Successful applicants are invited to pitch at live regional finals held in March. Applications are assessed based on value proposition, team strength, impact, customer focus, business growth potential, and utilisation of funding. The programme targets early-stage businesses (less than 5 years old) headquartered in the eligible Scottish regions with potential to achieve significant sales growth and create sustainable Scottish jobs.