Discover Funding Opportunities

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.

SWEF Business Grants

SWEF Business Grants are available for young people in Scotland who are struggling to invest in their business venture and/or keen to take the business to the next level. Up to £2,000 of funding is available to support growth and development, such as expanding operations, upgrading equipment, or other business needs that will help increase revenues. The grants are designed for businesses that have been trading for less than 2 years and are earning more than £500 per month. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis monthly, and grants must be spent within one month of receipt. The fund particularly welcomes applications involving match funding and from applicants working full-time on their business. Successful applications clearly explain how the grant will transform the business and take it to the next stage.

Social Investment Fund

The Social Investment Fund offers blended grant and loan investment to social enterprises, community organisations and charities across Scotland. The fund provides investments ranging from £10,000 to £250,000 per organisation with up to 25% in the form of a grant and the remainder as a loan. Loans are repayable usually over a 10 year period at a fixed 6% interest rate, and appropriate security may be required. The investment can be used for working capital, acquisition of assets, business growth, and capital expenditure. Investments must demonstrate that they meet charitable objectives including preventing and relieving poverty, advancing community development and urban/rural regeneration, or advancing education in Scotland. The fund is designed to fill the gap that exists in funding for organisations seeking to move into debt finance but unable to secure lending from a bank. Decisions are made by the Social Investment Committee, with the assessment process taking an average of 12 weeks.