Scotland’s next wave of business talent has received a major boost, with £800,000 in new funding to help entrepreneurs turn their big ideas into thriving ventures.
From school pupils with their first business spark to founders with global ambitions, a total of 28 projects across the country will share support through the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund.
This isn’t just about money.
It’s about nurturing ambition, building skills and connecting people who are brave enough to start something new.
The funded programmes will run throughout 2025 and 2026 and aim to create the kind of support networks Scotland’s founders need to succeed, no matter where they live or what stage they’re at.
One of the standout projects is from Women’s Enterprise Scotland, which will offer a 10-week programme designed to address the well-known barriers women face in accessing finance.
In the Borders, Galashiels Soup will host local micro-grant events, bringing communities together to back enterprising ideas with small but powerful pots of funding.
And for Scotland’s fast-growing gaming sector, the SGDA Games Accelerator will provide specialist help with product development, marketing and the tricky business of getting investment.
Each project is a piece of a wider puzzle: helping to turn Scotland into one of Europe’s leading start-up economies.
The funding has been delivered swiftly thanks to a fully digital application system led by delivery partner Inspirent.
More than 300 applications were received, but decisions were made quickly so projects can start sooner and run for longer.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes says this is part of the government’s biggest ever investment in entrepreneurship, with £30 million set aside to drive long-term change.
“Scotland has always been a nation of innovators,” she said.
“These projects will build the infrastructure, networks and support systems that our entrepreneurs need to thrive.”
Forbes added that the quick turnaround this year reflects the energy of Scotland’s business community and a government determined to match it.
Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart praised both the scale of the demand and the range of successful bids, from mentorship schemes to regional start-up networks.
She also welcomed the improved application process, which made it easier and faster for projects to get funded.
“This is the fastest turnaround the Scottish Government has achieved to date,” she said.
“It reflects a more responsive, agile approach and will help ensure that support reaches the people who need it, when they need it.”
The message is clear: from tech to textiles, the Highlands to the central belt, Scotland is open for bold ideas and the support is there to help them grow.
