Opening Doors: Glasgow Invests in City's Hidden Entrepreneurial Talent

By Savannah Simpson

The River Clyde in Glasgow City Centre (Image: Unsplash)

Glasgow City Council has announced that its Social Innovation Challenge Fund programme will take place for the third time in 2026/27. Looking to build on the success of last year, it’s a fantastic opportunity for underrepresented groups to open their own businesses. 

The fund will provide £250,000 to local organisations to work collaboratively with people who face barriers when entering the world of startups. These groups include people from disadvantaged backgrounds, women and various ethnic minorities. 

In 2026/27, applicants will be able to apply for between £30,000 and £100,000, although the average grant is expected to be around £50,000. All funded activity must take place during the 2026/27 financial year. They must focus on building skills and creating connections for early-stage entrepreneurs and startups in Glasgow. 

Applications are open to a wide range of organisations. These include third sector groups, social enterprises and organisations already experienced in supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. Applicants are encouraged to show off their creative and collaborative ideas that link these future entrepreneurs to Glasgow’s wider business support network. 

People Make Glasgow (Image: Unsplash)

So far, the fund has supported four collaboratively designed programmes. £200,000 has been allocated to help over 50 individuals to gain the skills, confidence and contacts needed to start and grow a business. 

Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said that the project aims to give overlooked communities the skills necessary in the business world. She stressed that the council wants to support anyone with the ambition to start a business but may not necessarily have the tools. 

The fund will focus on promoting entrepreneurship, creating new networks, and encouraging engagement with public business in and around the city. Glasgow City Council hopes the initiative will lead to a more diverse business community across the region.