Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael is urging companies in Orkney and Shetland to enter a business competition for the chance to secure £100,000.
The contest, funded by Scottish Edge, is aimed at finding Scotland’s top young innovators and entrepreneurs.
Former Scottish Secretary Mr Carmichael hailed the Northern Isles’ long history of people starting and growing local businesses.
He added: “This willingness to take the risk and to start a business for themselves is a crucial part of our local economy. Anything that helps that process is to be encouraged.
“The Scottish Edge competition could provide grants and exposure for an emerging business from the Northern Isles.
“As local entrepreneurs have frequently told me, starting out from scratch and accessing finance are the biggest challenges for a new business.
“Therefore, the chance to secure some funding plus expert mentoring support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is an opportunity that I hope many would jump at.”
Scottish Edge is a £1million fund which aims to support and encourage entrepreneurial activity in Scotland.
Firms can apply to win awards of up to £100,000 and local entrants will be supported through the process by HIE with appraisals and pitch training. Applications close on September 9.