Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Business Week 2026 opens with a flagship event, featuring Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, and the introduction of Ayrshire-s Regional EDGE.

Scottish EDGE is Scotland-s largest business funding competition, supporting high growth and innovative businesses with funding, mentoring and national exposure.

For the first time, Ayrshire will have its own Regional EDGE programme - creating a local gateway into this national opportunity. Delivered by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, the programme is designed to help ambitious businesses across the region build confidence, develop their ideas and take their first steps towards securing Scottish EDGE funding.

By offering a more accessible, local starting point, Ayrshire Regional EDGE will open the door for businesses that may not feel ready for the national stage giving them the support, insight and momentum to grow with confidence.

Whether you are a launching, scaling or planning your next move, this event is designed to spark ambition, unlock opportunity and connect you with the insight and support needed to unlock new opportunities.

At this launch event, you will have the opportunity to:

-Hear directly from Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, with insights on the programme and what makes a winning application

-Understand how Scottish EDGE funding works at both regional and national levels

-Gain a clear overview of Ayrshire Regional EDGE, including how to apply and key timelines

-Receive practical advice on creating a strong application and maximising funding opportunities

-Hear inspiring success stories from local Ayrshire EDGE winners and their growth journeys

-Take part in an expert panel discussion and Q&A

-Connect and network with entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the region

This event is ideal for ambitious business owners, entrepreneurs and innovators who want to:

-Scale their business with expert insight and support

-Build a clear path to securing Scottish EDGE funding at both regional and national levels

-Understand what it takes to develop a compelling, winning application and pitch

-Be inspired by the journeys of successful Ayrshire entrepreneurs who have scaled their businesses

-Connect with ambitious entrepreneurs and industry professionals

-Tap into a supportive business network

-Position their business to thrive within Ayrshire and beyond

Join us at the opening of Ayrshire Chamber Business Week 2026 and be among the first to discover how Ayrshire Regional EDGE will help shape the region-s next generation of business success.

This is more than just a launch event - it is the start of a new chapter for Ayrshire-s business community.

Book your place now and be in the room as new opportunities, connections and new ambition come to life.

Speakers include:

Johnny Manning, Founder, Connekt EV Charging