If you are looking for help in starting a new business project or support for an existing one, here are a range of funders who may be able to assist.

Food Processing, Marketing and cooperation (FPMC) Scheme

The scheme – This scheme can provide support grant to suppliers and producers to contribute to the Scottish Government’s overall vision for food and drink in Scotland, which is to be a Good Food Nation, where it is second nature to produce, buy, serve and eat fresh, healthy food.

Amount – Maximum £500,000

Scottish Co-Investment Fund

The Scheme – The Scottish Co-Investment Fund is managed by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with their accredited investment partners to address funding gaps. Start up companies those with growth aspirations or businesses who are expanding into new markets or developing new products.  The Scottish Investment Bank invests on equal terms with the investment partner. Businesses must be an SME trading company, with less than 250 employees and with a turnover of no more than €50m.

Amount – Investment from £10,000 (on deals of £20,000 or more) up to £1.5million

The Scottish Venture Fund

The Scheme – The Scottish Venture Fund invests in companies from start ups, early-stage to expanding businesses seeking funding to develop products and/or markets.

Amount – This fund can invest alongside private sector investors on equal terms, up to a maximum of 50% of the total funding package on a commercial basis. We can provide from £10,000 up to £2 million, as part of a total deal size ranging from £20,000 to £10 million.

Interface – Start up or Growth

The Scheme – Interface help you find the right University to take forward a project whether it is a design you would like made into a prototype and tested or a feasibility study to see if there is a market.

Amount – It is a fully funded service and if the project is innovative the University can apply for up to £5000 to pay for the project, this is match funded in the businesses time spent on the project.  A second project with a University can potentially be funded at up to £20,000 but the follow on voucher must be matched with cash.

Contact – Lorna Watson tel 07780334881 or email Lorna.watson@interface-online.org.uk

Scottish EDGE

The Scheme – Scottish EDGE is a competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth potential entrepreneurial talent. Prize funding of up to £150,000 is available through four separate categories – Scottish Edge, Higgs Edge, Wild Card Edge and Young Edge.