Funding of up to £50,000 for start-ups beyond Scotland’s Central Belt in latest Edge competition

Backed by Scottish Government money, Regional Edge is inviting “all start-ups with growth ambitions” from Tayside, the North-east, the Highlands and Islands and the south of Scotland to apply. Eligible businesses have the opportunity to win up to £50,000 in funding.

Now in its second year, the regional programme awards funding through a competitive Scottish Edge process. The awards are managed by region-specific partners, including Opportunity North East (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire), Elevator and GrowBiz (Tayside), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

Each region will host its own final, selecting five winners per area. Awards in each region will consist of one top award of £50,000, two £15,000, and two £10,000 awards.

Scottish Edge has awarded in excess of £30 million to 739 recipients across Scotland, including businesses such as Dundee-based MedAscend, Aberdeenshire firm InGlaze, Perthshire venture Bookr, and Moray-based Rescue Winch, which have each scaled operations since their win in the previous round of Regional Edge.

Beyond the funding, winners join an alumni network, gaining access to expert business mentorship and a wide-reaching community of contacts. Additionally, every applicant receives professional feedback from an expert panel to help refine their business strategy.

Evelyn McDonald, chief executive at Edge, said: “Now in its second year, the return of the Regional Edge competition demonstrates our commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship across Scotland. With continued support from the Scottish Government and our dedicated delivery partners, we are proud to again shine a spotlight on high-growth start-ups.

“Being able to provide critical funding and expert mentorship will help a new cohort of ambitious entrepreneurs make their businesses a success.”

The application window remains open until February 11, with live pitching finals and awards following in each region between March 12 and 26.

Caroline Maclellan, senior innovation manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “Regional Edge highlights the incredible innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our region. It offers ambitious entrepreneurs with crucial funding and support needed to bring their visions to life.

“We are proud to support these high-growth businesses as they contribute to a vibrant and sustainable economy. Working with our partners to deliver the Regional Edge programme is a fantastic opportunity for rural entrepreneurs and we encourage anyone with big ambitions to apply and claim their share of the prize pot.”

Gordon Hector, co-chief executive of GrowBiz, said: “Regional Edge is a massive opportunity for businesses across Tayside - the chance to win funding, mentoring and a higher profile too.

“GrowBiz is thrilled to be delivering Regional Edge for Tayside this year. Our team of advisers are rooted in Tayside, and we are all self-employed or run our own businesses, so we are passionate about helping people fulfil their ambitions to start, run and grow an enterprise.

“Businesses are the lifeblood of Scotland’s communities and economy, particularly in rural areas,” he added.