Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, has welcomed the relaunch of a Scottish Government fund to help inspire new businesses to develop entrepreneurial ideas.

Speaking this afternoon, Keith said:

“New businesses can often by brimming with exciting ideas but with lack of financial backing struggle to make those dreams a reality, so I am delighted that the Scottish Government is making this funding available with grants of up to £50,000 being made available.

“And it is not just businesses – Community groups, non-profit making organisations, industry bodies, colleges and universities are all amongst the organisations that are being invited to bid for funding to help boost entrepreneurial activity across Scotland.

“The Ecosystem Fund is for organisations that can enrich Scotland’s start-up ecosystem. It’s designed to help support entrepreneurs to access the resources, knowledge, connections, and capital they need to thrive.  Applications for grants opened this week and bids need to be submitted by the 25^th of September. 

“I hope that there will be projects in my Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency that can benefit from the widening of the Ecosystem Fund which now includes initiatives encouraging young people to consider entrepreneurship from an early age.  Other barriers are being challenged too with applications welcomed from under-represented groups including women or those from disadvantaged areas.”