Scottish Government
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Helping social entrepreneurs
Disadvantaged young people will be given the chance to undertake work placements under one of the first projects to be supported by the Scottish Government's £1 million Social Entrepreneurs Fund.
The new fund was launched to get new social enterprises off the ground, enabling them to help get people into work and keep Scotland's economy moving.
The first enterprises to be supported are:
- Platform - a £2,820 award for an enterprise in Edinburgh which plans to work with disadvantaged young people, providing them with coaching, counselling and work placements to help meet their aspirations
- Street Soccer - a £3,350 award for an initiative that will operate throughout Scotland, using local football initiatives in engaging and supporting homeless people
- Easy Access Information Library - £3,430 to help provide information on services in the Glasgow area for people experiencing homelessness problems
- Screenworks - a £4,675 award to provide a low-cost working centre for local film makers in Edinburgh
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said:
"Social enterprises are capable of connecting with some of the most vulnerable people in society whilst helping to create valuable employment opportunities.
"In a challenging economic climate, it is all the more important that we maximise opportunities for social enterprises and the Third Sector more widely to help Scotland emerge stronger from the current downturn.
"Our decision to increase Third Sector support by 37 per cent led to the creation of the Social Entrepreneurs Fund. I am pleased to now confirm the first grants to aspiring social entrepreneurs, which will help them get their public-spirited initiatives moving, whilst complementing the Scottish Government's economic recovery programme."
The Social Entrepreneurs Fund is delivered by Firstport, a charity working to help start up social entrepreneurs and social enterprises throughout Scotland.
Executive Director Naomi Johnson said:
"We are excited to see award winners starting to come through the new programme. In a time where economic reports often paint a negative picture, we are pleased that individuals are still keen to develop their own enterprises which will have an impact not only on them but also the clients they work with and Scotland as a whole."
The fund opened in March and will run until the end of March 2011. A total of £500,000 will be invested each year. It is anticipated that around 200 awards will be made. Awards will potentially vary between £500 and £20,000.
Individuals located in Scotland will be able to apply if they have:
- A business idea with clear social benefit
- Thought about how such a business would be run
- Some evidence of need and sustainability for the business
- The drive and vision to take their idea forward
Anyone interested in applying for support can contact Firstport on 0131 220 0511 or visit www.firstport.org.uk
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