A total of 44 projects across Scotland will share £1.75 million in Scottish Government funding aimed at helping entrepreneurs launch, develop and grow their businesses.
The funding will support a range of initiatives across multiple sectors, including a new conference for the games industry and a pilot programme designed to connect film and television producers with business angel investors.
The investment comes through the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund and represents the largest annual commitment made through the programme to date.
The fund brings together three existing funding streams alongside a new community focused initiative, creating what the Scottish Government says will be a simpler application process and faster decisions for successful projects.
Among the organisations receiving support is Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, which has been awarded almost £40,000.
The funding will be used to deliver a series of events where food and drink entrepreneurs can pitch products and ideas directly to buyers, investors and industry experts.
Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn visited the academy to highlight the latest round of funding and its role in supporting Scotland’s business community.
Stephen Flynn said:
“It is an economic imperative that Scotland’s business founders receive the right help to establish, grow and flourish and the Scottish Government is committed to backing them at every stage of their business journey.
“Scottish Government support for our entrepreneurs has continued to evolve in response to direct feedback from business founders and owners.
“This latest round of funding delivers an even more tailored package of initiatives and programmes to ensure we are supporting existing and future business owners from across sectors, across the country, and across all walks of life.”
The Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy believes the funding will help strengthen links between entrepreneurs, investors and the wider food and drink industry.
Executive Chair Lucinda Bruce Gardyne said:
“Securing this grant from the Scottish Government will allow us to further our goal of supporting Scotland’s food and drink entrepreneurs, connecting them with investors, producers and industry experts, and enabling collaboration across the industry.
“Our Cooking Up Growth programme will directly align to our mission to create, connect and elevate Scotland’s food and drink industry.
“Since our relaunch earlier this year, we’ve welcomed entrepreneurs, the business community and emerging culinary talent, working together to support a sustainable future for the industry.
“We look forward to launching Cooking Up Growth and continuing to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s larder while supporting Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
The funding is intended to support innovation, encourage business creation and help ambitious entrepreneurs access the expertise and investment needed to grow.
Projects supported through the fund will operate across Scotland and cover a broad range of industries, reflecting the growing importance of entrepreneurship to the country’s economic future.
