The Scottish Government has unveiled a transformative package to bolster entrepreneurial growth, with a strong focus on empowering women to launch and scale businesses.
As part of the draft Scottish Budget for 2025/26, a £15 million investment is set to energise the entrepreneurial landscape, with £4 million dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in the crucial early stages of business creation.
This initiative forms part of a broader £34.7 million commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and social enterprise, marking a significant 50% increase in funding compared to the previous year.
Key programmes benefiting from this enhanced investment include Techscaler, the flagship initiative for tech start-ups, and the new Ecosystem Fund, designed to fuel the growth of vital clusters in industries such as life sciences, digital, and advanced manufacturing.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes emphasised the government’s dedication to nurturing talent during a visit to Gut Wealth, an innovative Edinburgh-based start-up led by Gemma Stuart, a recent winner at the Scottish EDGE awards.
“This Budget commitment demonstrates that the Scottish Government stands squarely behind this and future generations of business talent,” said Ms Forbes.
“A thriving start-up ecosystem is essential for a robust economy, and we aim to make Scotland the best place globally for founders to launch and grow businesses.”
She highlighted the importance of targeted support, inspired by Ana Stewart and Mark Logan’s report, which focuses on encouraging more women to embark on entrepreneurial journeys and providing them with an integrated support network.
Gemma Stuart, founder of Gut Wealth, shared her perspective on building a business within Scotland’s dynamic ecosystem.
“I’ve accessed vital guidance and support from organisations like Business Gateway, Scottish Enterprise, AccelerateHER, and RBS Accelerator to help me scale,” she said.
Her company’s mission is to alleviate the pain and stigma associated with digestive health issues, a vision she is proud to advance from Scotland.
“I’ve built a strong network of founders, particularly female entrepreneurs, who’ve been instrumental in educating me about raising funds and exploring new opportunities.”
This renewed focus on fostering entrepreneurship underscores the Scottish Government’s commitment to creating a fertile environment for innovation and inclusion, setting a course for a more diverse and dynamic economy.
With tailored initiatives and significant financial backing, Scotland’s entrepreneurial landscape is poised to inspire the next wave of transformative businesses, ensuring a thriving future for founders and communities alike.
