GRASSROOTS social enterprises across Scotland are to benefit from £1 million in new funding from the Scottish Government.
Charities, voluntary organisations such as women’s aid groups, food banks and youth clubs are all set to benefit from the cash which will go to a range of projects including an accelerator programme for ambitious and growing social entrepreneurs, offering them support to raise private investment.
In addition, a £27,000 grant will support the creation of a Rural Social Enterprise Hub in Campbeltown to build on knowledge from European partners and establish a digital network for rural social enterprises to share experiences.
Charitable enterprise Inspiralba, based in Campbeltown, along with partners from Finland, Estonia, Romania and Germany, are working on the Village Social Enterprise Network Erasmus project, which aims to enhance the ideas and methods to promote and support social enterprise in rural areas.
Seventeen grants were awarded in all to social enterprise to deliver the Brand for Growth programme – an opportunity for leading social enterprises to develop and grow their brand to increase their customers and trade opportunities.
The money will also deliver LaunchMe, an accelerator programme for ambitious and growing social entrepreneurs, offering them support in raising private investment.
Announcing the funding at the launch of the hub, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Social enterprises are a vital part of our community and economy. They have a distinctive character and often play a role in preserving vital services such as community shops and transport, and creating employment opportunities.
“The Rural Social Enterprise Hub will bring benefits to the local community and surrounding area in Campbeltown and share knowledge and best practice in social enterprise, both across Scotland and internationally.”
Ailsa Clark, development manager for the Hub, said: “This funding will give us the opportunity to learn from the rural experience to inform policy and better understand opportunities to use digital tools to connect rural social enterprises.”
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