Multi-million-pound support programme targets Scotland's social entrepreneurs

Aspiring social entrepreneurs are being offered a lift up thanks to a multi-million-pound funding boost for Scotland’s third sector.

It comes after Just Enterprise – the collective behind a targeted support programme for the third sector – was awarded £4.75 million from the Scottish Government. Delivered by a partnership of 11 Scottish social enterprise support organisations, the four-year initiative will provide early stage social entrepreneurs and established enterprising charities with a programme of free business advice, workshops, leadership development and one-to-one coaching. The services will pay particular attention to sustainability as well as equality, diversity and inclusion, reflecting some of the key challenges facing the sector.

Since launching in 2011, Just Enterprise has supported more than 11,000 individuals across 8,000 enterprises in Scotland’s third sector to get started, develop and grow. On average, the programme has helped organisations to increase turnover by £50,000 and create two additional full-time jobs.

Martin Avila, chief executive of CEIS Group, one of the organisations delivering the latest Just Enterprise programme, said: “The third sector has an increasingly important role to play in our modern economy. While charitable and social enterprises are not typically seen as commercial entities, a steady, resilient income stream can underpin and help to finance a wider purpose-led ambition. We work with enterprising organisations of all kinds, large and small. Some may have an idea that they need support to develop further, while others may feel confused about how to get started with a new enterprise.”

Among the organisations Just Enterprise has previously supported is The Crannie, a community hub in Edinburgh’s Old Town that offers free events and activities for local residents at its Cranston Street base. Jackie Cropper, chief executive of the Old Town Development Trust, which operates The Crannie, said: “Our aim is to bring people together and help social inclusion, but we cannot do that without funding. Having developed our venue hire enterprise, with guidance from Just Enterprise, we now have a steady income stream to help cover the cost of the various resources needed to keep the groups running.”

Among the other organisations fulfilling the 2023-27 Just Enterprise programme are Firstport, Social Investment Scotland and The Circle.