Are you an ambitious business owner? Would £50,000 make a difference to your growth plans?
If the answer to both these questions is YES it is important that you check out the criterion for the Scottish Edge initiative which launches its next round of funding on 1st February.
A number of Forth Valley businesses have already received investment from this Dragons Den style competition. One such business is Katy Rodgers Artisan Dairy in Fintry. This award winning yoghurt and ice-cream business benefitted enormously when they were awarded £50,000 from the Scottish Edge fund 2 years ago. “This has been a great boost for the business” said Katy. “It has enabled us to do marketing and product development much earlier than we had planned. It is a great programme for businesses that are willing to do the preparatory work”.
Scottish EDGE is aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth potential, entrepreneurial talent. Businesses must have been formed within the last 5 years. The awards are made as a 50% grant and a 50% loan. The loan is paid back to help fellow entrepreneurs on their pathway to success. Whilst between £10,000 and £100,000 can be applied for, the average award is in the region of £50,000.
In addition to the financial investment, Scottish Edge also provides mentoring and support.
Check out the criteria on www.scottishedge.com. You can also read about the winners from previous rounds of this award.
Alison Davidson of Business Gateway Clackmannanshire emphasised the support available for business owners who are considering applying. “At first glance the application process may seem daunting, but we are here to help Clackmannanshire businesses every step of the way.
“We will be holding an informal awareness session on February 7th at Gean House. To attend this just call us on 01259 726430 and we can have a quick chat regarding eligibility criteria.”
Scottish EDGE Round 10 Key Dates:
- 1st February 2017 – Application window opens
- 8th March 2017 – Application window closes at 14.00 (2.00pm)
- 27th March 2017 to 12th April 2017 – 1st Stage Assessments undertaken
- 3rd May 2017 – Wild Card EDGE Final
- 8th, 9th, 10th May 2017 – Scottish EDGE Semi Finals
- 15th May 2016 – Young EDGE Final
- 24th May 2017 – Higgs EDGE Final (TBC)
- Thursday 22nd June 2017 – Scottish EDGE Final
We will also be holding a series of Application & Video Presentation Support Workshops throughout Scotland prior to the application closing date. Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook pages for details as the dates are finalised.