Regional EDGE Returns with £100,000 Funding Opportunity for Perth and Kinross Businesses
The return of the Regional EDGE competition provides another significant boost to the early-stage investment landscape in Perth and Kinross, with a share in £400,000 in public funding available to innovative, high-growth businesses across the region.
Offering awards of up to £50,000, the programme plays a key role in de-risking early-stage ventures and accelerating commercial readiness. Previous EDGE programmes have helped businesses expand into new markets, develop new products and create high-value jobs, all of which directly strengthen local economies.
The competition is specifically designed to identify businesses with strong commercial potential and help them accelerate their growth trajectory. Each participating region selects five winning businesses, all of whom also gain access to mentoring, strategic guidance and the Scottish EDGE alumni network.
The opportunity follows a strong showing for the region last year, when five Perth & Kinross businesses shared £100,000 in prize funding at the local Regional EDGE final. Winners included women’s health business Selaura Ltd, healthcare software platform Bookr, food and drink producers Enriched Being and Little Birdie Foods, and wellbeing enterprise Nowhere Sauna.
Read more on the 2025 Regional Edge Winners >
Key Information for Regional EDGE 2026
Businesses apply through the Scottish EDGE portal. Successful Perth and Kinross applicants will progress to a live pitching event in the Civic Hall before final award decisions are made.
- Applications open: Wednesday 14th January
- Virtual application workshop: Tuesday 20th January – sign up now
- Application deadline: Wednesday 11th February
- Regional finals and awards: 12th to 26th March (Perth and Kinross date TBC)
Each region will award the following:
- One x £50,000 top award ((70/30 loan/grant split)
- Two x £15,000 awards (grant only)
- Two x £10,000 awards (grant only)
What is Regional EDGE?
The purpose of Regional EDGE is to broaden the reach of Scottish EDGE support and ensure that businesses across Scotland feel encouraged to participate.
A key component of this initiative is to strengthen and deepen Scottish EDGE's relationships with regional partners who are embedded within their communities and possess invaluable local expertise. The programme is backed by £400,000 of Scottish Government funding, and is split across four regions; funds will be allocated via a competitive Scottish EDGE process delivered by region specific delivery partners.
- Elevator & GrowBiz (Perth & Kinross, Dundee & Angus)
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE)
- Opportunity North East (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
The Benefits of the Regional EDGE Competition in Perth & Kinross
Regional EDGE highlights the depth of entrepreneurial talent emerging in Perth and Kinross, positioning the region as an increasingly attractive destination for early-stage and scale-up investment.
Complementing local initiatives such as The Angel’s Share, an economic development programme designed to support entrepreneurial expansion by connecting growth-ready enterprises with certified investors. As well as helping founders become investment-ready by strengthening business plans and pitching skills, it also created a strong pipeline of companies for public, private and VC investment.
Find out more around how external funding could help your business growth plans.
Related / Further Reading
Perth and Kinross named UK’s top local authority for business growth potential for second year running
Perth and Kinross has been named the UK’s top local authority for business growth potential for the second year in a row, reinforcing its position as one of Scotland’s strongest destinations for investment and enterprise. 21 Jan 2026
