The International Network of Street papers (INSP) has secured funding as part of a £250,000 investment to promote Scottish social enterprises internationally, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced today.
Glasgow-based charity ISNP will receive £20,000 from the overall funding for another year, an extension of its current support.
The Scottish Government funding coincides with Vendors Week, an annual global event where celebrities and politicians sell the Big Issue paper for one hour to raise awareness of homelessness.
The total investment is aimed at further developing Scotland’s reputation internationally as a world leader in creating the right conditions for social enterprise to flourish.
Social enterprises have an impact on communities all over Scotland, tackling social problems and strengthening communities. They trade in all markets and aim to make a profit just like any private sector business, but all profits are reinvested back into their social and environmental purposes.
The remainder of the funding will be earmarked for continued support for international social enterprise in Scotland. Detailed allocations will be announced in due course.
Margaret Burgess said: “An enterprising third sector is a vital component in our economy, civic society and in creating a fairer and more inclusive Scotland.
“This £20,000 funding will help social enterprise INSP support vendors who are selling street papers to work their way out of poverty and homelessness. In total, £250,00 will help support international social enterprise in Scotland.
“We are committed to tackling and preventing homelessness and support for frontline homelessness services working with the most vulnerable in our society.
“Homelessness has been falling in Scotland. Latest homelessness statistics published 13 January for the period July to September 2014 indicate continuing falls in recorded homelessness across Scotland.”
INSP Chief Executive Maree Aldam said: “As we celebrate our annual Vendor Week, INSP is delighted to receive this continued strong support from the Scottish Government.
“INSP is proud to call Scotland home. Many years of support from the Scottish Government have enabled us to work internationally, supporting the development of social enterprise in 35 countries.
“Vendor Week is enormously important to INSP. Across our network of 114 street papers, we are paying tribute this week to the 14,000 hardworking men and women who are selling street papers as a way out of poverty.
“Top Scottish politicians will don the red tabard today to take their turn selling the magazine as part of an event that raises awareness of issues around homelessness, while boosting sales for The Big issue and raising money to support INSP.“
24
0
20
