Read end-to-end by a FundingAtlas editor against the official source.
Quick answer
Scottish export and internationalisation support.
Funding amount
Varies
Region
Scotland
Stage
Any stage
Provider
Scottish Enterprise
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Scottish Development International for?
- Scottish businesses going global.
- How much funding is available through Scottish Development International?
- Funding is variable by call and project scope. Exact amounts depend on project scope, eligibility, and the live call. Always confirm current figures on the official provider page before applying.
- How long does the Scottish Development International application take?
- Rolling engagement.
- What are the main alternatives to Scottish Development International?
- Consider other Scottish Enterprise programmes, options on the Innovation Funding Pathway, and adjacent routes discussed in our Regional Funding vs National Funding comparison.
- What happens after a successful Scottish Development International application?
- SDI adviser scopes support.
- What are the most common mistakes when applying for Scottish Development International?
- Non-Scottish businesses.
Who it's for
Scottish businesses going global.
Usually too early when
Advisor signal
Apply before you can clearly articulate the project scope, evidence of fit with Scottish Enterprise's priorities, and a credible delivery plan. Although open to most stages, assessors expect a coherent track record on which to score the application.
Eligibility
Scottish-registered businesses with international ambitions.
Evidence you'll need
Trade plan, company details.
Application timeline
Rolling engagement.
Common reasons applications fail
Non-Scottish businesses.
What improves your odds
Strong alignment with Scottish Enterprise's published priorities. A specific, measurable project with named deliverables and timelines. Evidence the team can deliver — relevant prior projects, named technical leads, and secured (not hoped-for) match funding where required. Clear quantified impact: jobs, productivity, exports, emissions reduction or commercial outcomes appropriate to the scheme.
Typical successful applicant
A UK-based organisation that already meets the eligibility criteria for Scottish Development International on paper, has prior delivery experience relevant to Scottish Enterprise, and can evidence the stated impact within the funding window.
Common misconceptions
That Scottish Development International is a quick or guaranteed source of capital. It is not — assessment is competitive and most applicants are unsuccessful. That a strong application can be drafted in days; in practice, competitive submissions take weeks of preparation, evidence gathering, and internal sign-off.
What happens next
SDI adviser scopes support.
What comes next
On a successful award: deliver against the agreed milestones, build the evidence base for follow-on funding (commercial pilots, larger grants, debt or equity), and document outcomes that strengthen the next application. On rejection: request feedback, address the specific weaknesses, and consider an adjacent scheme on the Innovation Funding Pathway before re-applying.
Funding context
Scottish Development International sits within Scottish Enterprise's wider funding remit. Treat it as one option on the Innovation Funding Pathway; the right route depends on stage, project type and what comes next commercially. Use it alongside, not instead of, complementary support.
Related routes
Industries
Objectives
Regions