If you’re between 18 to 30 you can apply for the First Ministers Start-Up Challenge grant of up to £500 to test a new business idea.

The First Ministers Start-Up Challenge is a 6-month entrepreneurial programme that will help you develop and test your business idea. The programme provides support including mentoring, masterclasses, and weekly workshops. 

The deadline to apply is Wednesday 24 June 2026. 

If you are ready to launch your business, you might be eligible to apply for a start-up grant of up to £5,000. 

At the end of the programme one participant will be selected to receive £30,000 to support a full year of business development.  

The programme is delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust and Dechomai. 

You may be eligible if you:

• are aged between 18 and 30
• live in Scotland
• have the right to work in Scotland
• will operate your business in the UK
• have an idea and want to start your business within 6 months
• have been trading for less than 1 year
• own or plan to own at least 50% of the business

This is a free service.

People aged between 18 to 30 that have started or want to start their own business. 

The programme will run for 6-months. 

Applications close on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Successful application will be asked to a stage 2 Hackathon on Wednesday 22 July 2026. 

Places on the programme are limited, with around 20 participants selected per cohort. 

Find out more about the programme and how to apply through The King’s Trust website.