Funding aimed at people planning a business, newly registered businesses and companies trading for under a year.
Funders usually define a startup by trading history rather than by ambition. Common cut offs are pre-trading, under twelve months of trading, and under three years. Check the trading history requirement on each record before you spend time on an application.
Most startup schemes require the business to be based and trading in Scotland, ask for quotes for the costs you want funded, and pay only for spend that has not already happened. Applying after you have bought the item almost always makes the cost ineligible.
Demonstration data. The funding records on this site are clearly labelled examples used to test the directory. They are not real funding opportunities and are not currently available.
Example Third Sector Trust
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Start-up funding for social enterprises.
Example Skills Agency
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Subsidised staff training for Edinburgh employers.
Example Tourism Board
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Support for visitor experience improvements.
Example City Council
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Early-stage support for new Glasgow businesses.
Example Creative Fund
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Project funding for creative businesses in Dundee.
Example North East Fund
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Equipment and machinery funding in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Example Enterprise Agency
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Support for websites, ecommerce and digital systems.
Some startup programmes accept pre-trading applicants who have a business plan and a registered or soon-to-be-registered business. Capital and growth funds usually require trading history.
Often yes. Many startup and local schemes accept sole traders, though some innovation and equity-linked programmes require a limited company.
Early-stage awards are typically a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, sometimes with match funding. Larger awards usually require trading history and detailed financial forecasts.
A clear description of the project, realistic costs with quotes, evidence of demand, and a specific outcome such as first sales, a new product or a job created.
Last updated: 14 September 2026
