Discover Funding Opportunities

VocTech Activate Grant Fund

VocTech Activate is Ufi's test bed grant fund where the first spark of an idea to solve a vocational learning problem can be scoped and tested in a supportive environment. The fund supports early-stage innovative projects focused on adapting, adopting, developing and designing products that put adult vocational skills first. Activities can include new technical development, or adaptation and implementation of existing technology in a new market or new community of learners. The fund is looking for ideas with the potential to transform vocational learning, rooted in real-world understanding of the sector's problems and opportunities. Ufi focuses on learners aged 16+, especially those in underserved sectors and locations, and projects must clearly show why their target learners have been overlooked by mainstream provision. Applicants must demonstrate how their idea is novel and why it's better than existing solutions, showing clear understanding of their learners and their market. The fund emphasizes innovation - whether new tech, new markets or new communities of learners.

Regional EDGE

Regional EDGE is a competitive funding programme designed to broaden the reach of Scottish EDGE support to businesses across Scotland, particularly in regions that may not have previously engaged with EDGE. The programme strengthens relationships with regional partners who possess invaluable local expertise and are embedded within their communities. Backed by £400,000 of Scottish Government funding, the programme is split across four regions: Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Tayside (Perth & Kinross, Dundee & Angus), Highlands and Islands, and South of Scotland. Each region delivers its own live finals, with five winners selected in each region. Awards consist of one top award of £50,000 (70/30 loan/grant split), two £15,000 awards (grant only), and two £10,000 awards (grant only). The programme is delivered through regional partners including Opportunity North East, Elevator, GrowBiz, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise. Applications are assessed based on six key criteria: Value Proposition, Team, Impact, Customer Focus, Business Growth, and Utilisation of Funding. The competition involves a two-stage process: first-stage written application with a 3-minute video pitch, followed by live pitching finals for successful applicants. The programme targets early-stage businesses headquartered in Scotland that have been in operation for less than 5 years and have the potential to achieve cumulative sales of £200,000 over the next 3 years.

Whiteside Hill Education and Training Fund

This fund provides bursaries to residents of the Kirkconnel & Kelloholm and Royal Burgh of Sanquhar and District Community Council areas to help them access training and education opportunities that better equip them with the range of skills needed to enter or retain employment. The fund is provided by Whiteside Hill Wind Farm Community Fund. The Whiteside Hill Education & Training Fund is designed to improve the opportunities and livelihoods of people living in Kirkconnel & Kelloholm and Sanquhar & District. Courses leading to formal or recognised qualifications are favoured, though other courses will be considered where applicants can demonstrate how the skills and knowledge gained will realistically support them in securing or retaining work. Awards can cover course fees, study aids and equipment, technical equipment, travel and subsistence costs, accommodation costs, childcare costs, and certain driving lessons. The maximum award for first time applicants is up to £1,500, second time applicants up to £1,000, and further applications up to £500 per year. Courses supported can be on a full-time or part-time basis and may include apprenticeships, SVQs, NCs, HNCs, HNDs, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications (excluding PhDs), short vocational courses and other courses that meet the fund purpose.

Lairg Wind Farm Community Fund

This fund supports charitable activities of benefit to those living within the Lairg Community Council area. The fund is provided by Lairg Wind Farm Ltd, the operator of the three-turbine wind farm at Cnoc Na Inghinnin. Starting in August 2012, it receives at least £22,000 annually (index-linked) for the wind farm's life, expected to be 25 years. The fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance the quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful, and sustainable communities, and promote community spirit and encourage community activity. Grants may be requested to support a wide range of costs and activities, such as equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional workers costs, consultations, maintenance, or refurbishment of community facilities. Awards will be prioritised that can demonstrate significant added value through leveraging additional funding from other sources, working in partnership with other groups and organisations to scale up projects and increase opportunities, and projects that have reach beyond one particular group or demographic that have potential to benefit the whole community. Though the upper limit for awards is stated as £5,000, awards above £5,000 can be considered in exceptional circumstances. Grant applications are considered at monthly meetings of Lairg Community Council. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of a Community Council meeting to be considered at that meeting. The Community Council currently meets on the first Wednesday of each month, excluding December.