What is Adam Smith 300 Enterprise Scholarship?
Fife College is delighted to have partnered with Fife Council, OnFife and Business Gateway Fife to offer this amazing scholarship opportunity to a student looking to start their own creative business.
All four organisations are committed to encouraging enterprise and this scholarship was very fittingly announced two years ago on Adam Smith’s 300th Birthday.
Thanks to a generous donation from Fife Council of
£10,000 and in-kind support from OnFife and other partners we hope to award this scholarship for many years to come.
Who can apply?
You have a creative business idea that you are looking to take further to the concept stage and need a helping hand.
You should live in Fife with easy travelling distance to the Design Suite at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy and have a business idea that ideally would support the Fife community.
What do you receive?
Cash award - £1,000 payment, made in two instalments (December and June) to help with startup resources or materials that would help support your new business such as digital tech, software, materials, online courses, travel, research. Please outline how you would make best use of the fund in your application.
Designer in Residence – Amazing opportunity to be the ‘Designer in Residence’ in the new state of the art Design Suite at Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy, thanks to OnFife. This will give you access Monday-Friday to high spec computers running Adobe Creative Suite, a dedicated Maker Space, breakout spaces, 3D printer, laser cutter, Raspberry Pi and VR equipment, as well as free access to a range of workshops, talks and events.
Mentoring - Advice and support to help you get your business off the ground will be available through regular contact with Business Gateway, including access to business talks, workshops and one-to- one mentoring. You will also have regular check-ins with the other partners to support you.
What is expected of you
This scholarship is suitable for those looking to start a creative business and award winners are expected to be frequent users of the Design Suite at Adam Smith Theatre. It will be your space and a base to inspire you and develop your ideas.
In order to build confidence, gain experience, develop a network of clients and a professional portfolio of work you will be expected to use the Design Suite at least twice a week.
- Exchange skills with OnFife staff and the local community.
- Lead talks, workshops and drop-in activities relevant to your skills and expertise.
- Create content about the scholarship to be shared with relevant partners.
- Respond to live briefs from OnFife.
- Support aspects of running the Design Suite.
- Support and encourage others to use the Design Suite e.g. peers/students.
- Be a conduit between Fife College and OnFife.
What happens next?
References: We may ask a Fife College staff member who knew you for a reference.
Tour: Those shortlisted will be invited to a tour of the Design Suite the week prior to the interview. However, we would encourage candidates to have an induction ahead of applying for the scholarship, these can be booked via onfife.com
Interview: Candidates will be shortlisted by Fife College and then invited to attend a short in-person interview in the Design Suite, with a panel representing the four partner organisations.
Presentation: If you are successful, you will be invited to attend a small presentation event to award you with your scholarship and certificate. We will also ask you to complete a BACS form with your bank details so we can make the £1,000 payment to you.
Important information
Key Dates:
- Closing date for applications is Sunday 28 September 2025 at midnight.
- Students should hear whether or not they have been shortlisted by mid-October 2025.
- Final award will be made by beginning November.
Got a question?
if so, just drop us an email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.