Clackmannanshire

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 for Business Gateway Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling, the HEAT — which stands for Highlighting Entrepreneurship All Together — is a Dragon’s Den-style business competition designed to unearth and support the region’s most promising new business talent.

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 their share of nearly £10,000 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. The 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.

This year, the competition is sponsored is EmPAWrium — a luxury dog grooming retreat and coffee shop based in Clackmannanshire. After taking part in the Ceteris Pathways programme for budding entrepreneurs, EmPAWrium attended Business Gateway events and 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.

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, Ceteris and Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce — all offering a mix of cash, expert advice, and tailored business support to help winners thrive.

Maggie Gorman, Business Support and Development Director at Ceteris, said: “Our goal with HEAT is to shine a light on the incredible entrepreneurial talent here in Forth Valley and to give new businesses the support they need to succeed. The competition is always full of energy, ambition and fantastic ideas — and thanks to our generous sponsor EmPAWrium and all of our prize partners, HEAT 25 promises to be our biggest and best yet!”

Nathan Evans, co-founder of last year’s winner, Skyview Surveys, said: “Winning the HEAT gave us access to expert support, funding and a local network that is helping us as we get our business up off the ground. I’d encourage anyone with a strong idea and a bit of courage to enter — you won’t regret 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.

HEAT winners 2024, Skyview Surveys, collecting their trophy from Ceteris Board Vice-Chair Peter Matthews.

Think you’ve got what it takes to stand the HEAT? Applications are now open. The closing date for applications is Monday 25^th August.