Businesses in the Highlands and Islands are being encouraged to apply to the next round of Scottish EDGE funding and the chance to win up to £100,000 each in grants and loans.
The Scottish Government funded competition supports and encourages business growth in Scotland. The ninth round for applications opens from 1 August to 7 September.
Winners from the region in the last round included Phoenix Instinct from Nairn which received £50,000 for developing luggage solutions for wheelchair users. OTAQ from Oban was awarded £100,000 for developing an innovative seal deterrent system for fish farms. And pre-trade technology project, MIME, was awarded £10,000 for software that guides first aiders in life saving situations.
They were among 22 promising entrepreneurs from all over Scotland who pitched their businesses to an expert panel of judges.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) provides support with business applications and coaching in preparation for pitches to the judging panel.
Donna Chisholm, HIE regional head of sectors, innovation and programmes, was one of the judges in the last round. She said: "Ambitious entrepreneurship in the Highlands and Islands is not only growing, but reaching new heights. It's this sort of initiative that strengthens our economy, boosts international trade and creates jobs. We congratulate the winners from Round 8. The standard of entries was exceptionally high and businesses from the Highlands and Islands were fantastic. It's this sort of initiative that strengthens our economy, boosts international trade and creates jobs. As the next round opens we encourage more entrepreneurs to apply and we are ready to help them win."
Scottish EDGE is supported by The Scottish Government, Royal Bank of Scotland and The Hunter Foundation. Companies can register their interest at www.scotedge.com/apply-now/apply