Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across the Forth Valley are being invited to step into the spotlight, as the highly anticipated HEAT 25 competition officially opens for entries.
Organised by Ceteris with support from Business Gateway Clackmannanshire, Business Gateway Falkirk and Business Gateway Stirling, the is a Dragon’s Den-style business competition designed to unearth and support the region’s most promising new business talent.
Now in its 9th year, the competition offers budding entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges and be in with a chance of winning thousands of pounds worth of cash and business support prizes. Whether you’re planning to launch a new venture or are in the early stages of trading, the HEAT could provide the boost you need to take your idea to the next level.
Who can enter?
HEAT 25 is open to individuals and businesses based in the Forth Valley region that have been trading for less than two years by the time of the competition final in September 2025, or those with a new business idea they are ready to develop.
EmPAWrium Pays It Fur-ward as overall HEAT 25 Sponsor
This year’s headline sponsor is EmPAWrium — a luxury dog grooming retreat and café based in Alva, Clackmannanshire — whose founders know first-hand the value of the support on offer through HEAT. After taking part in the Ceteris Pathways programme for budding entrepreneurs, EmPAWrium went on to secure external investment and grow their business from a home-based grooming service into a thriving, multi-faceted destination for dogs and their owners. Their story is a powerful example of what’s possible with the right support, and their sponsorship of HEAT 25 is driven by a desire to give back and help others realise their business potential.
Prize Sponsors
In addition to Empawrium, HEAT 25 is supported by a fantastic line-up of prize sponsors who are helping to make this year’s competition bigger than ever. These include:
- STEP
- University of Stirling Management School
- Forth Valley College
- Arm in Arm Accounting
- Art is an Option (graphic and web design)
- Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Ceteris
Together, they are offering a mix of cash, expert advice, and tailored business support to help winners thrive.
The HEAT has a strong track record of launching new businesses into the local economy, offering not just prizes, but vital exposure, expert feedback, and connections that can help turn ambition into action.
Think you’ve got what it takes to stand the HEAT? Then what are you waiting for?
Applications are now open! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/85L9TNP
