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

Grants are available to help fund ideas for 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 will improve access to investment
• sustainable projects that will benefit local communities
• innovation in delivering entrepreneurial support
• projects that reach historically underserved groups, such as women, minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and rural communities

The Ecosystem Fund does not support individual companies directly. It is designed to improve the infrastructure, resources, and support activities that are available to help entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Grants of up to £40,000 are available. 

The fund has a 2-tier application process based on the value of grant you apply for. Tier 1 is for grants of up to £9,999, and tier 2 is for grants of £10,000 up to £40,000.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025.

All activity covered by the fund must be completed by 31 March 2026.

The Ecosystem Fund does not support individual companies directly. It is designed to improve the infrastructure, resources, and support activities that are available to help entrepreneurs and start-ups.

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 programme – 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
• individuals or informal networks that help connect entrepreneurs, share knowledge, or create collaboration opportunities in communities

It is free to apply for this fund.

Grants of up to £40,000 are available. You'll need to cover any additional costs above this amount through other sources.

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

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 20 May 2025.

Applications will be assessed during May and June, and you'll get a decision on your funding by the end of June 2025.

All projects must be completed by 31 March 2026 and your final report submitted by 30 April 2026.

The deadline to apply for this fund is 5pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025.

Tier 1 applicants must write a 500-word proposal that includes:

• a project description
• expected project outcomes
• a delivery plan
• a budget

Tier 2 applicants must write a 1,900-word proposal that includes:

• a project overview
• expected impacts and outcomes
• your delivery approach
• future plans
• details of your experience and capability
• your planned budget and resources

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