The Ecosystem Pathways Fund
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Supporting Scotland's Under-Represented Entrepreneurs

The Entrepreneurial Pathways Fund provides grants of up to £75,000 to organisations, individuals and community groups who are working to widen access to entrepreneurship for under represented and under supported groups across Scotland. The Fund supports projects that reduce economic inactivity, widen participation, and strengthen Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through inclusive approaches.

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Who Can Apply?

A wide range of applicants are eligible, including:

  • Ecosystem builders such as incubators, accelerators and community organisations
  • Universities, colleges and education providers
  • Third sector organisations, charities and industry bodies
  • Established businesses or private organisations collaborating with pre start or early stage entrepreneurs
  • Un-constituted groups or individuals delivering entrepreneurship focused activity
  • Business Gateway economic development teams, where activity is new, targeted and distinct from existing provision

Applicants must be headquartered in Scotland (or have significant operations here) and demonstrate appropriate governance, safeguarding and financial stability. Core government agencies and public bodies are not eligible.

What the Fund Supports

The Fund is aimed at projects that increase participation in entrepreneurship among groups whose needs may not met by mainstream support, for example women, young people, ethnic minority communities, migrants and refugees, disabled and neurodiverse people, and individuals affected by domestic abuse.

Projects should offer tailored, relationship based support that recognises barriers and delivers sustainable outcomes. Eligible activities include:

  • Grassroots community building and networking initiatives
  • Programmes offering long term support or new pathways into business start up
  • Projects improving access to mentoring, expertise, peer learning and collaboration
  • Initiatives that create accessible, inclusive environments for emerging entrepreneurs
  • Sector specific projects with a clear contribution to the wider ecosystem

Strong proposals typically demonstrate high impact potential, innovation, collaboration, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and plans for sustaining benefits beyond the funding period. The Fund does not support capital purchases, core organisational costs, business as usual activity.

Funding Available

Applicants can apply for grants of up to £75,000, with no minimum threshold. All activity and spend must be completed by 31 March 2027. The Fund particularly welcomes grassroots and community led initiatives that deliver meaningful impact.
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