Business Gateway grant scheme opens to help female entrepreneurs
The launch of the Building Female Founders programme was very well attended
Women-led businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are being urged to apply for a new grant programme designed to help female founders test ideas, explore new markets and accelerate business growth.
Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire has launched the new funding opportunity as part of its Building Female Founders programme, a key element of the Pathways Ecosystem Fund project aimed at unlocking the full potential of female entrepreneurship across the north-east.
The small-scale ‘test and learn’ grants will provide £500 to female founders within their first two years of trading, supporting projects that validate business ideas, develop new products and services, and drive commercialisation.
Eligible projects could include attending trade shows and exhibitions, developing marketing campaigns, creating e-commerce platforms, securing specialist accreditation or producing professional photography and video content to support a new product or service launch.
Maya Vertigans, founder of Planner Bee VA, was among those sharing their experiences at the event launch
The funding follows the successful launch of the Building Female Founders programme in the summer, which attracted more than 80 female entrepreneurs from across the region and generated significant interest on social media.
Among those sharing their experiences at the event was Maya Vertigans, founder of Planner Bee VA, whose inspiring founder spotlight highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced by women building businesses. Her story resonated strongly with attendees and demonstrated the value of targeted support in helping female entrepreneurs transform ambition into sustainable business growth.
Business Gateway is now encouraging women not to delay their applications, with demand expected to be high ahead of the November 30 deadline.
The programme was developed in response to clear regional demand and aims to address the continued under-representation of women in business growth by providing tailored, accessible support which reflects the realities women often face when starting and growing a business.
Challenges such as access to finance, limited access to professional networks, travel constraints and caring responsibilities can create significant barriers to growth. At the heart of the initiative is dedicated Female Founders Business Adviser Kirstene Hair, who will provide personalised one-to-one coaching alongside access to specialist expertise, practical learning opportunities and peer networks.
Kirstene brings experience from leadership roles across politics and the charity sector, alongside a background in executive coaching, working with female founders. She is passionate about supporting women to take the leap into business, grow and scale with confidence, and help to increase the number of female-led businesses starting and thriving across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire through the programme.
Female Founders Business Adviser Kirstene Hair will provide personalised one-to-one coaching
Julie Wood, Chief Officer, City Development Regeneration, said: “We know that one of the biggest challenges facing new entrepreneurs is securing the resources and confidence needed to test ideas and take the next step in growing their business. These new grants are designed to help female founders do exactly that, providing practical support at a crucial stage of their entrepreneurial journey. By giving women-led businesses the opportunity to explore new markets, develop products and services, and validate innovative ideas, we can help accelerate growth and unlock potential across the north-east. The grants form an important part of our wider Building Female Founders programme, which is committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Councillor Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee, added: “The level of early engagement has been extremely encouraging and has given the programme real traction from the outset. It clearly demonstrates the appetite for this type of support among women-led businesses and the important role it can play in helping them grow and succeed. I would encourage eligible businesses to take advantage of the support available through Business Gateway, review the guidance carefully and submit their applications as soon as possible to ensure they don't miss out on this valuable opportunity.”
Female founders interested in applying are encouraged to review the guidance and submit applications as early as possible ahead of the closing date on November 30.
The proposed activity must be completed and evidenced by the end of February 2027.
For more information on the grant scheme and to receive the full grant guidance and application form, email startup@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
For more information about the Building Female Founders programme contact Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire on 01467 535353, email aberdeenshire@bgateway.com or visit www.bgateway.com