Evelyn McDonald (Scottish EDGE)

Evelyn McDonald is the CEO of Scottish EDGE. Previously run by Scottish Enterprise for four rounds, Evelyn oversaw the spin out of the competition in Autumn 2014 to the private sector led Scottish EDGE C.I.C funded by RBS, Scottish Government, the Hunter Foundation and private donors.

To date Scottish EDGE has awarded over £14 million to 369 businesses in Scotland. The introduction of lending to the winners in Round 5 – Scottish EDGE prizes are 60:40 loan and grant – has created a revolving loan fund to support future applicants. In addition, the small team of seven have introduced mentoring, alumni events, training, a business support package to winners and the EDGE Pledge.

Prior to joining the EDGE in November 2014, Evelyn had a long career at the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust, and latterly the Prince’s Trust. In 2002, she helped set up and run a successful growth fund which assisted over 300 Trust-supported businesses, including BrewDog, Trtl and Aircraft Medical, providing access to loans of up to £25k and follow-on support.

Evelyn is also a board member at the Scottish Design Exchange and an assessor of the Small Business Charter Award.

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