Our Partners
Our partners offer workshops, 1:1 support, funding opportunities, advice, events, and competitions to aspiring business owners. All activity is delivered at Edinburgh College's dedicated BASE (Business Advice and Support for Entrepreneurs) hubs.
The Merchant Company Enterprise Fund
Through the College, students can apply for grants to help support and grow their business. The fund is designed to provide the resources you need to help kickstart your business, alongside support and guidance from Merchant Company members.
- Grants may be awarded to anyone with a sound business proposition at any stage in their education or career but applicants should be able to demonstrate the need for both finance and expertise and be willing to accept a mentor appointed by The Merchant Company
- Grants are not repayable and may be awarded to existing or new start businesses
- Applying businesses should be based in Edinburgh or the Lothians
- Applicants should be the full or part owner of the business to be supported
- There is no age limit for applications
- Grants in the range from £500 - £5000 will be awarded for specific projects or equipment and will be judged on business merit and need
- Applicants should be able to demonstrate that a grant award will meet one or more of the fund’s charitable purposes namely; The prevention or relief of poverty; The advancement of education; The advancement of citizenship or community development.
- A completed application form, business plan and appropriate cash flow will be required
Application enquiries should be made at your BASE hub on campus.
Completed proposals will be submitted to the Enterprise Fund evaluation committee at The Royal Company of Merchants. Applicants will be notified of their success within two weeks.
To find out more visit The Royal Company of Merchants of The City of Edinburgh website or contact shaunna.elliott-hook@yes.org.uk.
There is an annual call for applications each spring, with the deadline in early May. We encourage you to drop into your BASE hub on campus for more details and to begin the process of applying.
Merchants Mentoring Scheme
The Royal Company of Merchants of The City of Edinburgh is a charity given its Royal Charter by King Charles II in 1681. It has played a major role in shaping the city of Edinburgh over the centuries, as well providing over four million pounds each year in bursaries for its schools (George Watson’s, Mary Erskine’s & Stewart Melville), the company also distributes over five million pound each year in other charitable activities.
The company has introduced the Mentoring Scheme as part of its strategic commitment to grow its charitable contribution to Edinburgh by widening criteria for beneficiaries, increasing its level of activity and introducing new initiatives.
Through The Royal Company of Merchants of The City of Edinburgh’s Mentoring Scheme, students can get free guidance from a pool of trained mentors. If you think that you would benefit from speaking to a business mentor, please contact Alan Faichney via afaichney@mac.com with more information about your business (or idea) so that you can be paired with the right mentor for you.
Bridge 2 Business
The college works with Bridge 2 Business to inspire, connect and support students aged 18-30 into business. Part of Young Enterprise Scotland, the Bridge 2 Business programme offers students the opportunity to learn and explore start-up business, and offers opportunities to test out your ideas, as well as develop your skills for employment – all through enterprise activity. Lecturers can book a range of workshops throughout the year and initiatives include #FemaleBoss and Social Innovators Challenge.
Contact Shaunna.Elliot-Hook@yes.org.uk for more information.
Find out moreNow in its fifth year, #FemaleBoss continues with the aim to close the gender gap for young women in business and invites anyone who identifies as a female from diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences and ethnic minority groups.
This dynamic programme has consistently ignited inspiration, empowerment, and support to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and emphasise the vital role of women in the business landscape. To find out more about the impact of #FemaleBoss on our students, read Morgane's story.
Business Gateway
Business Gateway is a publicly funded service contributing to the economic well being of Scotland by providing access to free business support services.
Through Business Gateway partners you can access:
- Free advice from our experienced business advisers to help you start a business or find new ways of doing business
- Free local workshops and seminars - ranging from start-up sessions to specific skills events - covering marketing, finance and e-commerce
- Free business information. The team offers information on all aspects of starting and growing a business. We are in partnership with other professional organisations - so you can be sure you will receive the best possible support.
Edinburgh Greentech Futures
CodeBase and The City of Edinburgh Council are creating a community passionate about greentech. They’re looking for a group of people to explore, discover, create and develop ideas for greentech products and create a thriving greentech community in Edinburgh. Edinburgh GreenTech Futures is a group-based programme for prospective entrepreneurs or existing businesses with an interest in developing green technology ideas in an open and experimental environment. Funded places are available. Interested students are encouraged to find out more and apply now.
Find out more