Scottish EDGE is set to provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs living outside the central belt thanks to a second round of its successful Regional EDGE competition. Backed by Scottish Government funding, the competition is open for applications from 14 January 2026.
To celebrate entrepreneurial talent in regions including north east Scotland, Regional EDGE is inviting all start-ups with growth ambitions to apply. Eligible businesses have the opportunity to win up to £50,000 in funding.
Now in its second year, Regional EDGE awards funding through a competitive Scottish EDGE process. The awards are managed by region-specific partners, including Opportunity North East for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire), Elevator and GrowBiz (Tayside), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE). Each region will host its own final, selecting five winners per area. Awards in each region will consist of one top award of £50,000, two £15,000, and two £10,000 awards.
Scottish EDGE has awarded over £30 million to 739 recipients across Scotland, including Aberdeenshire-based InGlaze, Perthshire-based Bookr, and Moray-based Rescue Winch, all of whom have scaled operations since their win in the previous round of Regional EDGE.
Beyond the funding, winners join the EDGE alumni network, gaining exclusive access to expert business mentorship and a wide-reaching community of contacts. Additionally, every applicant receives professional feedback from an expert panel to help refine their business strategy.
Jennifer Craw MBE, CEO of Opportunity North East, said:
“We are pleased to be working with Scottish EDGE to bring Regional EDGE back to the north east in 2026. This is a great opportunity for founders to access funding to finance growth. I encourage all founders in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City who are eligible for Regional EDGE to apply.”
Evelyn McDonald, CEO at EDGE, said:
“Now in its second year, the return of Regional EDGE competition demonstrates our commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship across Scotland. With continued support from the Scottish Government and our dedicated delivery partners, we are proud to again shine a spotlight on high-growth start-ups. Being able to provide critical funding and expert mentorship will help a new cohort of ambitious entrepreneurs make their businesses a success.”
Entries for the Regional EDGE competition open on 14 January 2026 at 9:00am, followed by a virtual application workshop on 20th January to support prospective entrants. The application window remains open until 2:00pm on 11 February, with live pitching finals and awards following in each region between 12th to 26th March.
More information about the competition can be found at scottishedge.com/regional
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