Tag: First Minister’s Start Up Challenge

Applications open for First Minister’s Start Up Challenge

Supporting young entrepreneurs

Young people from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds will be helped to start innovative businesses through the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, which is now open for applications.     

Delivered in partnership with the King’s Trust and Dechomai, the programme will select 20 participants for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship, providing tailored support, grant funding, workshops and hands-on experience. One winning participant will be awarded £30,000 funding helping them to dedicate time to developing their business.    

First Minister John Swinney announced the opening of applications on a visit to Juicy Health Club in Glasgow’s West End, where he met young entrepreneurs who have successfully turned their ideas into thriving businesses.  

 Mr Swinney said: “Young people should be supported to make the most of their talents and ambitions, helping create a better future. Supporting young people to take the first steps in business is an important way to help them realise their potential, while also boosting the economy.    

“The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge will support a new generation of entrepreneurs across the country. I would encourage anyone with an innovative business idea to apply now for the chance to join the first cohort and benefit from the tailored support and grant funding this programme will offer.    

“Juicy Health Club is a brilliant business that is thriving in Glasgow, and it sets a strong example of how to maximise market opportunities. It was great to meet entrepreneurs and hear how they have brought their different business ideas to life.”    

The King’s Trust in Scotland Director of Delivery Lou Goodlad said: “With applications now open for the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, we’re calling on those with ambition, talent and a great business idea to take the next step on their entrepreneurship journey. 

“Through this partnership, The King’s Trust is backing young people who have the potential but may lack the opportunity and support they need to get their businesses off the ground. 

“By offering tailored support and access to funding, this programme will help remove barriers to entrepreneurship, helping young people build successful businesses for the future in Scotland.” 

Dechomai Managing Director Bayile Adeoti said: “We are delighted that applications are now open for the First Minister’s Challenge. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people across Scotland to share ideas, tackle challenges, and build confidence for the future.  

“At Dechomai, we are passionate about creating opportunities and have developed an Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Accreditation as part of the programme focused on mindset, resilience, creativity, and leadership.  

“We encourage everyone aged 18–30 to apply and urge educators, youth workers, and partner organisations to help spread the word so no one is left behind.” 

The Start Up Challenge | Enterprise | Scotland   

Applications close on Wednesday 24 June 2026. 

The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge

Backing young people to become entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs will be supported to turn their ideas into successful businesses through a new Scottish Government programme. The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge will empower young people aged 18 – 30 from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds to start innovative businesses.

Delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust and social enterprise Dechomai, around 20 participants will be selected for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship. This will provide tailored support and access to masterclasses, workshops and hands-on experience.

Participants will receive a £500 “Test Your Business” grant, with those ready to launch eligible to apply for a £5,000 start-up grant. At the end of the programme, one winner will be awarded £30,000 to dedicate a full year to developing their business.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am unashamedly ambitious for Scotland’s young people and want to ensure my government leaves no stone unturned in supporting them to achieve their ambitions.

“That is why I am excited to be launching the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge which will help unearth and expand the creative entrepreneurial spirit that stretches across Scotland.

“This will provide vital support, including mentorship from those who have built their business, and funding to young people to set up their own business.

“It will not only be life changing for the young people taking part but will have a ripple effect across the country – inspiring entrepreneurial spirit, creating a constant flow of future founders and strengthening Scotland’s’ position as a nation of innovation and enterprise.  

“Attracting investment into the country whilst reinforcing Scotland’s emerging reputation as a fast-growing entrepreneurial economy, will be crucial to achieving my key priority of growing the economy while also ensuring we can invest in our other vital priorities such as eradicating child poverty. We’ve long been an innovative and entrepreneurial country and this investment will ensure the next generation can set up the businesses of tomorrow.”

The Kings Trust Director of Delivery (Scotland) Lou Goodlad said: “”The King’s Trust is delighted to partner with the Scottish Government and Dechomai to deliver The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge.

“This programme builds on our collective experience supporting young people to start their own business, and together, it will empower young people facing barriers to self-employment. Participants will benefit from a bespoke programme and access to grant funding to help scale their businesses.

“This unique initiative will make a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy, offering young people an incredible opportunity to unlock their entrepreneurial potential. We’re excited to play a key role in the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge and to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in Scotland.”

Founder of Dechomai Bayile Adeoti: ““Working alongside The King’s Trust to deliver the First Minister’s Start-Up Challenge for the Scottish Government is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Dechomai and for the work we do across Scotland.

“At Dechomai, we believe that real and lasting impact happens when founders, educators, communities and institutions come together to build collaboratively.

“The Start-Up Challenge represents what’s possible when we invest in young people and take a genuinely place based and person-centred approach to enterprise and opportunity.

“Partnering with The King’s Trust is also a deeply personal milestone for me. As a former Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust grant recipient, this feels like a full circle moment and a powerful reminder of the importance of belief, access and collective effort. We’re excited to help shape a future where more young people across Scotland can see themselves as founders, leaders and changemakers.”