What does a Festival of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing have in common with a friend-finding app, a theatre company and a hospitality professional development tool? They are all one of the 30 Queen Margaret University (QMU) businesses that have been awarded vital funding from Santander Universities UK to help support their business through COVID-19.

The £25,000 worth of grants were announced in May as part of Santander Universities UK’s range of support for the QMU community.

Lauren Leisk, owner of Fodilicious said: “COVID-19 has really impacted Fodilicious and this funding from Santander has proven vital for the business to continue to move forward during these uncertain times.

“The support that Santander are offering to small businesses like us is absolutely amazing I would like to say a massive thank you,” Lauren added.

Amy Elder who owns and operates Elderberry Arts said her business has been ineligible for the majority of Government COVID support schemes because of when it started trading.

“That’s why Santander’s support is absolutely incredible for me, ensuring I can adapt to deliver my performing arts classes online. I can’t thank Santander enough!” Amy said.

QMU Deputy Principal, Dr Richard Butt said: “At Queen Margaret University, we are proud to support student and graduate start-ups through our Business Innovation Zone and, more broadly to support economic development.”

“So we thank Santander Universities for their generous support and commitment during this challenging time – it has meant so much to so many in the QMU community,” Dr Butt added.

See below for the full list of grant recipients and stay tuned to social media over the coming days to hear more from QMU student business-owners about how they’ll be using their funding.