FORTH VALLEY’S ULTIMATE START-UP CHALLENGE
Can you stand the HEAT of competition?
Do you have a brilliant business idea? Are you either planning to start your business or in the early stages of taking your idea to market?
Then the HEAT competition could be for you. Enter this ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition and be in with a chance of winning thousands of pounds worth of cash and business support prizes.
Congratulations to our 2025 winners
1st Place
Explore Buddy
Provide neurodivergent support for families, schools and organisations across the UK. Founded in March 2025 by Mental Health Nurse and University of Stirling alumni Lucinda Wiley, at the heart of its work is The Neuro Series, a unique four-part journey that empowers parents and carers to explore their own strengths, communication styles, and emotional patterns, while building deeper, more meaningful connections with their autistic child.
2nd Place
Golf Sherpa
Provide packaged golf trips that are “planned to a tee”. Golf Sherpa combines an end-to-end concierge planning service with a tailorable event management app. It handles all on-course and off-course details so customers can focus on what matters most—whether that’s competitive play, discovering hidden gem courses, or making memories with friends.
3rd Place
Head for Data
A company helping organisations unlock the potential of their data and technology. Its offering is designed to make data and AI accessible, clear, and results-focused without unnecessary complexity or jargon. With over 50 years of combined experience, Head for Data designs scalable, ROI-driven solutions across industries from civil engineering and property management to energy and beyond.
What is The HEAT Competition?
The HEAT is a business competition for the Forth Valley region, organised by Ceteris and Business Gateway Clackmannanshire, with support from Business Gateway colleagues in Falkirk and Stirling. HEAT stands for Highlighting Entrepreneurship All Together, bringing start-ups and entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their ideas and win valuable business support.
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 2026, or those with a new business idea they are ready to develop.
How to Enter?
All you need to do to enter is to complete a simple application form outlining your idea, who the target market is for your product or service and why you should win the competition. That’s it!
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.
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The HEAT 2025 Sponsored by
EmPAWrium, the proud sponsor of this year’s HEAT 25 competition, is a shining example of what can grow from having the right support and determination to succeed.
Founded by Emma Clark, a passionate entrepreneur and dog lover, EmPAWrium began as a home-based grooming business. It has flourished into a luxury, relaxing, countryside retreat for dogs — complete with spa treatments, hydrobaths, shop and a boutique. It also has a welcoming coffee shop that is open to anyone whether you have a dog or not, because no-one should ever feel alone.
The Alva-based business first found its paws through the Ceteris Pathways programme for budding entrepreneurs and, following their participation, secured external investment to accelerate their growth. Now, EmPAWrium is giving back — proudly sponsoring HEAT 25 to support the next generation of start-ups and champion the entrepreneurial spirit that helped get their own tails wagging. Their involvement is more than symbolic; it’s a show of appreciation for the role Ceteris played in their journey, and a chance to help other local businesses take their first confident steps.
2025 Prize Pot!
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 up to the value of nearly £10,000 to help winners thrive.
Design Consultancy
1 Day of design support for each winner provided by Art is an Option
IT & HR Support
Over £4,000 in consultancy from STEP
Accountancy Support
Nearly £2,000 from Arm in Arm Accounting
Learning & Workspace Access
£1,000 in vouchers from Ceteris
Education & Training
Cash and vouchers from Forth Valley College & University of Stirling Management School
Chamber Membership
One year with Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce