The Ecosystem Fund is open to organisations, groups and individuals that support Scottish entrepreneurs and start-up activity.

Grants are available to help fund new, innovative and inclusive entrepreneurship support activities across Scotland.

You can apply for funding for activities such as:

• community-building and networking initiatives
• projects that connect Scottish start-ups to international markets
• initiatives that improve access to investment
• skills development, mentoring and expert guidance
• initiatives that support underserved groups and increase accessibility
• projects that enhance collaboration, innovation and ecosystem connectivity
• the creation of resources, toolkits or materials for better entrepreneurial support

The fund does not support individual companies directly. For example, you cannot use the grants to cover: 

• your ongoing core business activity
• business-as-usual costs
• projects that do not meaningfully expand or improve your existing offering

Grants of up to £40,000 are available. 

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

All activity covered by the fund must be completed by 31 March 2027

The fund is open to organisations headquartered in Scotland or with significant operations here

To be eligible, you must be one of the following:

• an ecosystem-building organisation – this includes:
  • incubators
  • accelerators
  • dedicated entrepreneurial support organisations
  • community groups that support entrepreneurs through programming, resources, and events
• an industry association or non-profit group that supports early-stage entrepreneurs and start-ups in their local community or sector
• a university, education or training provider – for example, academic institutions that aim to foster entrepreneurial skills and innovation through their curriculum or competitions
• an established company that partners with start-ups or educational establishments through pilots, tech acquisitions, or accelerator programmes
• a private organisation experienced in entrepreneurial development with a unique project to involve under-represented groups in the early-stage entrepreneur and start-up community

You can apply individually or as part of a collaboration, though only one organisation can act as the lead applicant.

It is free to apply for this fund.

Grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 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.

Organisations, groups, individuals and activities that support Scottish entrepreneurs and start-up activity.

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 for this fund is 5pm on Thursday 26 March 2026.

As part of your application, you'll need to demonstrate your project's potential impact and your ability to deliver it. You'll need to provide a project overview, plus detailed information on:

• its impact and outcomes
• your delivery approach
• your future plans
• your experience and capability
• your budget and resources

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