A new grant programme has been launched by Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire to assist female entrepreneurs in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The initiative aims to help women test business ideas, explore new markets, and accelerate growth.
This funding opportunity is part of the Building Female Founders programme, a component of the Pathways Ecosystem Fund project, which seeks to maximise the potential of female entrepreneurship in the north-east. The 'test and learn' grants offer up to £500 to female founders within their initial two years of trading.
Eligible projects supported by the grants include attending trade shows, developing marketing campaigns, establishing e-commerce platforms, obtaining specialist accreditation, or producing professional photography and video content for new product launches. The funding follows the successful summer launch of the Building Female Founders programme, which engaged over 80 entrepreneurs.
Maya Vertigans, founder of Planner Bee VA, shared her experiences at a recent event, highlighting the opportunities and challenges for women in business and the value of targeted support. Business Gateway is encouraging applications ahead of the 30 November deadline, anticipating high demand.
The programme was developed in response to identified regional demand, aiming to address the under-representation of women in business growth. It provides tailored support to overcome common barriers such as access to finance, limited networks, and caring responsibilities.
Kirstene Hair, the dedicated Female Founders Business Adviser, will offer personalised one-to-one coaching, access to specialist expertise, practical learning, and peer networks. Hair brings leadership experience from the political and charity sectors, alongside executive coaching expertise.
Julie Wood, Chief Officer for City Development Regeneration, stated that the grants are designed to provide crucial resources and confidence for new entrepreneurs to test ideas and grow their businesses. She emphasised that exploring new markets and validating ideas will accelerate growth across the north-east.
Councillor Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee, noted the encouraging early engagement and the programme's traction, demonstrating the appetite for such support among women-led businesses. He urged eligible businesses to review guidance and apply promptly.
Interested female founders are advised to review the guidance and submit applications as soon as possible before the closing date on 30 November. All proposed activity must be completed and evidenced by the end of February 2027.
For more information on the grant scheme and application forms, email startup@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. Further details about the Building Female Founders programme can be obtained by contacting Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire on 01467 535353, emailing aberdeenshire@bgateway.com, or visiting www.bgateway.com.
