Ambitious food and drink start-ups – Jump Start is back!

Are you or do you intend to be a food or drink start-up in Dumfries and Galloway?

Then our fourth JumpStart Programme may just be designed just for you! Held over a number of months, kicking off in April ’26, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to develop your business and run it more effectively.

What’s in it for you?

Up to eight food and drink businesses will be selected to be part of this years cohort.

Here’s some of what you could look forward to:

• Developing Your Product: Learn the secrets to creating a successful food product
• Personal Guidance: Enjoy one-on-one sessions with our regional food group manager
• Food Safety: Navigate Environmental Health and Trading Standards requirements with ease
• Perfect Packaging: Master the art of packaging and labelling
• Marketing Magic: Discover how to market your business effectively
• Product Development: Have you thought everything through
• Pricing Strategy: Create an effective pricing plan that works for you
• Funding Applications: They can be daunting but we will make you approach them positively
• Inspiring Visits: Experience a site visit to an established food or drink business in the region
• Presentation Skills: Hone your presentation skills to be Dragon ready!

The programme culminates in a Dragons’ Den type event, where you’ll pitch your business to a panel of experts (including past Jump Start graduates). The Dragons will decide the level of funding you receive: Bronze (£500), Silver (£750), or Gold (£1,000) per business.

Please email marketing@eatswscotland.org for an application form if you wish to apply for Jump Start 4!