What if … North Edinburgh, a social enterprise programme looking to inspire residents in the north of the city to test ideas that have a positive impact in the community, has officially launched this week. Continue reading What if … ? New social enterprise initiative launches in North Edinburgh
Tag: social enterprise
£17 million fund to support social enterprise
Schemes to create jobs and protect the environment are set to benefit from a new fund to help social enterprises which will be backed by £17 million of investment. Continue reading £17 million fund to support social enterprise
No fear: Firstport awards magazine £25,000 to tackle mental ill-health amongst young people
Fearlessly, a mental health social enterprise has received £25,000 in grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund. The awards were delivered by Firstport, Scotland’s development agency for start-up social enterprise. Continue reading No fear: Firstport awards magazine £25,000 to tackle mental ill-health amongst young people
High School launches Food and Forest Co-op social enterprise
Dalkeith High School has launched a new social enterprise project, Food and Forest Co-op, to support its curriculum-led approach to Learning for Sustainability. Continue reading High School launches Food and Forest Co-op social enterprise
‘Shop Social’ this Christmas
More funding to strengthen the social enterprise sector
Over £396,000 in additional funding has been announced to support the delivery of eight new social enterprise programmes.
Since the launch of Scotland’s ten-year Social Enterprise Strategy in December 2016, more than £14 million has been invested to encourage the growth of social enterprises.
There are more than 5,600 social enterprises across Scotland. They trade for the common good, addressing social needs, strengthening communities, improving people’s life chances and protecting the environment.
One of the programmes receiving additional funding is a ‘Social Enterprise Retail Academy’ aimed at getting more products into shops.
Meanwhile, a new website (www.shopsocialscotland.com) has been set up giving ideas for social enterprise presents this Christmas.
Together with a new marketing campaign coordinated by Social Enterprise Scotland, the funding will help raise awareness of social enterprises locally and nationally and tap into a growing desire from consumers to buy ethically.
The funding will expand the impact which this innovative sector can have on reducing inequality, working with communities to tackle tough social issues at source .
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Social enterprises are a vital partner in our communities and support ethical and worthwhile causes. We want them to achieve their full potential by ensuring they have access to the right resources, knowledge and networks.
“Particularly in the run-up to Christmas and ahead of Fair Saturday this weekend, I would encourage shoppers to support their local social enterprises and businesses and shop ethically for Christmas gifts. A purchase really could have an impact on a local social cause.”
Founder of the Scottish Design Exchange Lynzi Leroy said: “The Scottish Design Exchange exists to provide a space where local artists and designers, and social enterprise businesses, can sell direct to customers on the High Street.
“By supporting us and other social enterprise businesses at Christmas, you will not only have a direct impact on the local economy, you also help to fund businesses that are working hard for social causes.”
Leith social enterprise shortlisted for trailblazing award
Quay Community Improvements (Quay), a subsidiary of Port of Leith Housing Association, has been shortlisted for the Living Wage Scotland Industry Trailblazer Award 2018. Continue reading Leith social enterprise shortlisted for trailblazing award
Edinburgh fair trade social enterprise backs call to save ethically
Businesses, charities and individuals across Edinburgh are being encouraged to move their savings to an ethical bank. Continue reading Edinburgh fair trade social enterprise backs call to save ethically
Hey Girls make a Big Issue out of period poverty
Big Issue invests in trailblazing social enterprise Hey Girls
A £50,000 investment and mentorship from BII’s Power Up Scotland programme is helping trailblazing social enterprise Hey Girls fight period poverty. Continue reading Hey Girls make a Big Issue out of period poverty
Honorary doctorate for Jonny Kinross
Edinburgh University recognition for Edinburgh’s social enterprise champion
Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Neil Armstrong, Annie Lennox, Ian Rankin and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and others, Leith resident Jonny Kinross has received an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh University for his charitable works. Jonny has devoted his working life to serving and supporting the most vulnerable in society and is currently CEO of the Grassmarket Community Project. Continue reading Honorary doctorate for Jonny Kinross
Ben Macpherson relaunches Holyrood Social Enterprise group
Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson has joined forces with Social Enterprise Scotland to relaunch the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Social Enterprise. Continue reading Ben Macpherson relaunches Holyrood Social Enterprise group