Funding of up to £50,000 for start-ups outside Scotland's Central Belt in Regional Edge

Scottish Edge has opened the second year of its Regional Edge competition, offering start-ups in Tayside, the North-east, the Highlands and Islands and the south of Scotland awards including a top prize of £50,000; applications are open until 11 February and regional finals run between 12 and 26 March.

Scottish Edge has launched the second year of its Regional Edge competition to reach entrepreneurs outside the Central Belt. The programme is backed by Scottish Government funding and invites start-ups from Tayside, the North-east, the Highlands and Islands and the south of Scotland to apply. Eligible businesses can win awards up to £50,000 through regional finals managed by local partners. The scheme combines funding with expert mentorship and entry to an alumni network. Key details: - Each region will hold its own final and select five winners, with regional awards comprising one £50,000 prize, two £15,000 prizes and two £10,000 prizes. - Delivery partners include Opportunity North East (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire), Elevator and GrowBiz (Tayside), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE). - The application window is open until 11 February, and live pitching finals and awards are scheduled between 12 and 26 March. - Scottish Edge says it has awarded more than £30 million to 739 recipients across Scotland, citing past winners such as MedAscend, InGlaze, Bookr and Rescue Winch. - Organisers note that every applicant receives expert panel feedback and that winners join an alumni network that offers mentorship and wider business contacts. Summary: The Regional Edge programme will allocate region-specific awards and provide mentorship and network access to support high-growth start-ups beyond Scotland's Central Belt. Applications close on 11 February and regional finals and awards will take place from 12 to 26 March.