The Community Fund supports grassroots activities that help build and strengthen local entrepreneurial networks.

You can use the funding for activities such as:

• regular meetups or networking events
• peer support groups for entrepreneurs
• skills workshops or training sessions
• community showcases or demo days
• local collaboration projects

Your project should provide a type of support that's not currently available, rather than duplicating an existing service. The activities can generate some revenue (for example, through ticketed events), but your application must explain why grant funding is still needed and how any income will support the project.

This fund is offered alongside other Scottish Government entrepreneurship funds – including the Ecosystem, Pathways, and Entrepreneurial Education funds – but is specifically focused on community-level activity.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available. 

The deadline to apply is 5pm on Thursday 26 March 2026.

The funding is flexible, and you do not have to provide match funding. You can use the funding to help cover staff or contractor costs that are necessary to deliver the project. 

All activities must be completed by 31 March 2027.

The fund is open to applicants who are based in Scotland or able to demonstrate a clear connection to Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

You cannot apply for funding to support the regular costs of running your own business. You can apply as a partnership, although one lead applicant must take contractual responsibility.

The fund also welcomes applications from:

• individuals and informal networks focused on collaboration
• community groups that support local entrepreneurs
• third sector organisations and non-profits
• student societies and university or college groups

You can read full details of the eligibility criteria on the fund's website.

It is free to apply for this fund.

Grants up to £10,000 are available. You'll need to cover any additional costs above this amount through other sources.

You'll receive your grant payments retrospectively, in instalments. This means you'll need to be able to cover the costs upfront, then reclaim the money through the grant.

Each instalment will be paid out after you achieve certain agreed project milestones. This detailed payment schedule will be set out in your grant offer letter, if your application is successful.

Individuals, organisations, and community groups that run grassroots activities to support entrepreneurs and start-ups in their local communities across Scotland.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on Thursday 26 March 2026.

Applications will be assessed during April, and you’ll get a decision on your funding in early May 2026.

All projects must be completed by 31 March 2027.

The deadline to apply is 5pm Thursday 26 March 2026.

The fund uses a simplified application process to make it more accessible to grassroots organisations, informal networks, individuals and community groups that may have limited experience with public funding applications.

You'll be asked to provide:

• a project description
• your expected outcomes
• your delivery plan
• your budget and resources

Visit the Ecosystem Fund website for more information and to read the full fund guidance.