Scottish Government Extends Support for Start-Ups Through 2028

The Scottish Government has announced a significant extension of financial support for start-ups, pledging to invest through 2028. This commitment was revealed by Ms. Forbes, Deputy First Minister, during her visit to the headquarters of Ooni Ltd in Edinburgh, a company known for revolutionizing the at-home pizza oven market and a past recipient of the Scottish EDGE awards.

Since its inception in 2012, the Scottish EDGE awards have provided over £29 million in funding to more than 700 businesses. These awards offer grants and loans ranging from £10,000 to £150,000 to foster the growth of start-ups, social enterprises, and charities. The new multi-year financial commitment builds on a previously announced £1.2 million allocation for the year 2025-26, ensuring that this funding level will be maintained for the next three years.

The funding will be matched pound-for-pound by private sector contributions during this period. Ms. Forbes emphasized the vital role entrepreneurs play in the economy, stating, “I have been consistently clear that entrepreneurs and start-up companies are the backbone of our economy – but they need the right support at the right time to ensure they can develop, grow and prosper.”

She noted the importance of the Scottish EDGE awards, which have become an essential part of the support network for start-ups in Scotland. “The Scottish Government is investing record funding into entrepreneurism this year, and it is incredibly encouraging to see multiple independent sources indicating our start-up community is thriving,” she added.

In her remarks, Evelyn McDonald, chief executive officer of Scottish EDGE, highlighted the government’s pivotal role in the competition’s success since its beginning. “The accomplishments and global growth of businesses like Ooni, who were relatively early winners, is testament to the wide-reaching impact funding can have on a business in those crucial early stages,” she said.

Ooni co-founder and co-chief executive officer Darina Garland expressed gratitude for the support received from Scottish EDGE. “Since 2012, Ooni has grown from a tiny yet ambitious start-up to the global innovative home cookware company we are today,” Garland remarked. She emphasized that the funding and mentorship from the awards were crucial in the early years, enabling Ooni to innovate and expand rapidly.

“It’s been a pleasure to support Scottish EDGE as a judge and pass on our knowledge and experience to support other entrepreneurs,” she added. Garland believes that the new funding pledge will significantly benefit many more Scottish entrepreneurs, helping them realize their potential and contribute positively to the economy.

The commitment to funding start-ups has the potential to enhance the entrepreneurial landscape in Scotland, encouraging further investment from private sectors, including institutions like RBS and ongoing support from The Sir Tom Hunter Foundation.

This initiative marks a continued effort by the Scottish Government to nurture an environment where start-ups can thrive, ensuring that the future of entrepreneurship in Scotland remains bright.