Boost for Scottish social enterprise

Addtional £0.5 million to support new not-for-profit companies

Individuals looking to start up new businesses that improve people’s life chances will continue to benefit from dedicated funding and support. The Scottish Government’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund will receive a further £500,000 from April to find and nurture entrepreneurs with a social or environmental mission.

Under the Fund, people with ideas for viable businesses that can help vulnerable people can apply for advice, support and start-up funding. Since its launch in 2009, the Social Entrepreneurs Fund has helped more than 280 people test and develop their enterprising ideas.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Alex Neil was today at one of Edinburgh’s Social Bite cafés, where pre-paid meals feed the homeless and its profits go to charity. Around a third of Social Bite’s employees have suffered from homelessness.

The Social Entrepreneurs Fund will be managed by business support company Firstport.

Mr Neil said: “Social enterprises do tremendous work to help the most vulnerable people by improving their confidence and boosting skills, while tackling inequalities in society and growing the economy.

“The Social Entrepreneurs Fund has already made a huge difference to the lives of many. and our sustained investment will help ensure that social entrepreneurs get the support they need to get their businesses off the ground.

“Social Bite is just one great example of how the Fund is helping new business go from strength to strength. Already a popular café and having smashed its Christmas appeal to give homeless people meals, it’s looking to expand and is great role model for other businesses to follow.”

Social Bite hit the headlines over the holiday period when a social media appeal to give homeless people a Christmas dinner went viral – the social enterprise had hoped to raise enough money to pay for 800 plates of turkey over Christmas by asking for £5 donations but instead received enough for more than 36,000 dinners!

Josh Littlejohn of Social Bite said: “Social Bite has greatly benefited from the funding and advice provided by Firstport and the Social Entrepreneurs Fund. We now employ 45 people, including 14 from homeless backgrounds and importantly our customers have the benefit of knowing that they are supporting a good cause when they purchase food from our shops.

“I believe that social enterprise will become a bigger part of the economy and will be able to take on the big profit maximising chains.”

The Minister also met Bruce Gunn, owner of socially-driven courier company Delivered Next Day Personally and Fiona MacNeil, owner of Gilded Lily which runs programmes to support women from disadvantaged backgrounds into social enterprise during his visit.

Firstport chief executive Karen McGregor said: “Recent economic challenges means that social problems in Scotland are more pressing than ever. This has driven an even stronger interest in the concept of social entrepeneurship and it’s ability to transform lives and communities.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government recognises this potential by further investment in the Social Entrepeneurs Fund, which combined with Firstport’s free business advice and resources, really strengthens the support available to budding social entrepreneurs throughout Scotland.”

Crumbs! Huge public response to homeless meals appeal

Hundreds of homeless people in Edinburgh will enjoy Christmas dinner today – and meals for months to come – thanks to the generosity of ‘ordinary’ people from all over the world.

Josh Littlejohn, co-founder of social enterprise sandwich shop Social Bite, said he has been ‘blown away’ by the public’s response to a social media appeal.

Social Bite teamed up with the Itison.com deal site and asked people to make a £5 donation, and the response was immediate – within hours of the promotion going online 7000 vouchers had been sold!

Josh and partner Alice Thomson had hoped to raise enough to pay for 800 meals but public response to the appeal was incredible – Social Bite received enough pledges for 35,000 plates of turkey!

That fantastic public response means they will be able to feed homeless people all next year at their Edinburgh and Glasgow shops.

Social Bite gives 100% of its profits to charity and recruits people from homeless backgrounds. They have two premises in Edinburgh (Rose Street and Shandwick Place), one in Glasgow and plan to open in Aberdeen and Dundee next year.

Mr Littlejohn said the reaction on Twitter and Facebook had been ‘amazing’ with donations coming from all over the world – people from as far afield as Romania, Nepal and the United States contributed to the appeal.

He told the BBC: “Nicola Sturgeon bought one. Michelle Mone put a thing on her Twitter about how she bought one and then someone said ‘I’ll buy a hundred Christmas dinners if I can take you out for dinner’, and she said ‘If you buy 200 it’s a deal.’

“Two other guys chipped in and said ‘I’ll buy 200 to take you out’, so I think she’s got three dinner dates but she helped us sell 600 dinners! It just shows Christmas spirit is alive and well.”

For further information about Social Bite go to:

www.Social-bite.co.uk

Tree-mendous! Heartfelt Tree rekindles Christmas spirit

Two local social enterprises – Run Native and Gorgie City Farm – are working together in the run up to Christmas in a bid to spread the message that ethical shopping and community enterprise make sense.

Run Native is a collective online marketplace that helps customers find ethical buys and ethical producers find customers, while Gorgie City Farm is a long established farm and family attraction in the heart of the Edinburgh.

Each year Christmas trees are sold at Gorgie City Farm to raise funds for the farm. This year they have teamed up with Run Native to dress a one-off festive tree with hand-crafted hearts sourced from Run Native’s supplier One World Shop, making it the first “heartfelt” tree in Edinburgh.

Run Native Marketing Executive Deborah Rees said: “We are delighted to be working with Gorgie City Farm to highlight our social enterprises this Christmas. The aim is to highlight the difference between us and the high street – all the profits are reinvested back into the community. So, in a nutshell, it’s business with a big heart.”

Deborah added: “Our Run Native online store attracts shoppers from across the UK and beyond with a wide range of luxury goods as well as smaller items to suit all budgets. We make it easy to find cool and covetable products that may be difficult for the average shopper to find on the high street from snowboarding beanies, hand-made macaroons, bespoke furniture with the added benefit that they are supporting and strengthening communities when they shop with us.”

Roz Angus, Manager, Gorgie City Farm, said: “We recognise the benefits of working with other social enterprise businesses like Run Native and getting the ethical message out there that social enterprise is creative and fun. We have been at the heart of the community here for 30 years and like to bring some festive fun to the farm, so the “heartfelt” tree definitely contributed to that.”

Edinburgh’s One Feeds Two is global competition finalist

BEN & JERRY’S AND ASHOKA SELECT SOCIAL ENTREPENEUR FINALISTS FOR JOIN OUR CORE 2014

Winners will scoop investment, mentoring and see their name on a pack!

Business bright sparks JP Campbell, founder of One Feeds Two and Katharine Hibbert, founder of Dot Dot Dot, have both secured a place at the London finale of Join our Core 2014.

Join Our Core is Ben & Jerry’s and Ashoka’s annual global competition to celebrate those who are creating cool new models for sustainable business to help make a difference in communities.

This year’s finale, held across London, Singapore & Tokyo next month, will see the finalists from eleven countries (UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Singapore and Japan) go head to head, with one young entrepreneur from each region being crowned as a winner.

One Feeds Two, founded in Edinburgh by JP Campbell, builds on the one-for-one model, making it simple for the food industry to tackle child hunger and for the companies within it to come together. With One Feeds Two, every time food businesses sell a meal or a product displaying their logo, a school meal is provided to a child in poverty.

On 19 November in London, each of the European finalists will pitch to an expert panel, including Sophie Tranchell, founder of Divine Chocolate, members of the world’s leading network for social entrepreneurs Ashoka, and other top European ethical business minds.

Each of the winners will scoop €10,000 investment, invaluable mentoring from Ashoka, and will see their business logo featured on an exclusive Ben & Jerry’s tub in 2015. The winner will also bag a trip to Ben & Jerry’s birthplace in Vermont, USA where they will gain additional training and hear from US based entrepreneurs and socially responsible business leaders.

Ed Shepherd, Social Mission Manager, Ben & Jerry’s said: “This year’s Join Our Core is bigger and better than ever, as we’ve taken Join Our Core global. We have chosen two UK finalists who really stood out, but all of those who put forward a model for change are worthy entrepreneurs with aspirations of operating businesses formed to directly address social or environmental problems in our global community. We loved the ethos and vision of One Feeds Two and Dot Dot Dot and we’re looking forward to the final stage of the competition!”

Felicity McLean, Framework Change Manager, Ashoka Europe, said: “We are hugely excited by the quality of applications this year- it’s testament to the changing world we live in, and a true nod to a world where every young person feels equipped with the skills and confidence to drive positive change in their communities.”

For further information about the Join Our Core 2013 winners and the prizes they have won please visit www.joinourcore.com.

Join Our Core and Scoop For Change!

About JP Campbell, Join Our 2014 finalist One Feeds Two:

Website: www.onefeedstwo.org

Social Media: www.facebook.com/OneFeedsTwo @OneFeedsTwo

Since launching in October 2013, One Feeds Two has provided 212,225 school meals to feeding partners and have secured a further 191,578 meals that will be provided by COOK through their Christmas campaign.

This total of 403,803 school meals provided to feeding partners working in the poorest communities in the world will result in over 2,125 school children being able to attend school for a full school year. The simple school meal is ultimately an opportunity for the child to escape extreme poverty through education and gives them hope of a better future. The aim of our feeding partners is always to start and build school feeding programmes that can be nationally owned, funded and sustained by the local governments.

About Katharine Hibbert, Join Our 2014 finalist Dot Dot Dot:

Website: www.dotdotdotproperty.com/

Social Media: www.facebook.com/DotDotDotPropertyGuardians @3dotproperty

Since 2011, Dot Dot Dot guardians have contributed over 20,000 hours to great causes. That’s the equivalent of 12 years of full time work – paid at the UK average wage of £12.74 per hour, that’s equivalent to a contribution of £254,800. This year, the Prime Minister awarded two of their guardians with national volunteering awards in recognition of their commitment. Hours are recorded monthly and Dot Dot Dot produce quarterly social impact reports. Public opinion and customer feedback has been consistently positive. The company features on Nesta’s 2014 New Radicals list of the organisations offering the most effective ways to tackle social challenges and last year they won a Security Excellence Award.

Edinburgh's One Feeds Two is global competition finalist

BEN & JERRY’S AND ASHOKA SELECT SOCIAL ENTREPENEUR FINALISTS FOR JOIN OUR CORE 2014

Winners will scoop investment, mentoring and see their name on a pack!

Business bright sparks JP Campbell, founder of One Feeds Two and Katharine Hibbert, founder of Dot Dot Dot, have both secured a place at the London finale of Join our Core 2014.

Join Our Core is Ben & Jerry’s and Ashoka’s annual global competition to celebrate those who are creating cool new models for sustainable business to help make a difference in communities.

For further information about the Join Our Core 2013 winners and the prizes they have won please visit www.joinourcore.com.

Join Our Core and Scoop For Change!

About JP Campbell, Join Our 2014 finalist One Feeds Two:

Website: www.onefeedstwo.org

Social Media: www.facebook.com/OneFeedsTwo @OneFeedsTwo

About Katharine Hibbert, Join Our 2014 finalist Dot Dot Dot:

Website: www.dotdotdotproperty.com/

Social Media: www.facebook.com/DotDotDotPropertyGuardians @3dotproperty

Twenty days to raise three grand

MY Adventure’s race against time to raise funds

MY Adventure, Muirhouse Youth Development Group’ social enterprise arm, is using crowfunding site Crowdfunder.co.uk to try to raise £6000 for essential repairs to their very own Borders bothy. With twenty days to go, they’re halfway there – but if they don’t reach their target they receive NOTHING.

MY Adventure’s Jonny Kinross gives some good reasons why you should pledge your support:

‘We believe in beautiful idyllic peaceful and natural wilderness spaces being accessible to everyone – Towford is just that.’

For many years now registered Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG) and its Social Enterprise MY Adventure have been looking to secure a building, a bothy, a place that people can get away to and relax in – that is basic, comfortable and affordable. A place where young children can play safely but adventurously in the outdoors, exploring Scotland’s natural heritage with their families and friends. A place where teenagers can get away from pressures and learn new skills. A place where groups of adults can build friendships but enjoy space to themselves.

Towford Outdoor Centre, near Jedburgh, set in the beautiful remote yet accessible Scottish Borders, is the place we have been seeking.

Towford Outdoor Centre lies in the upper Kale Valley, on the northern slopes of the Cheviot Hills and has been lent to MYDG absolutely free, initially for 10 years but for the longer term if we can sustain it and assure our landlord that people are using it.

Towford was formerly an Outdoor Education centre until it closed in 1996. Before that, it was a school from 1876 to 1964.

The school log reads on June 30th 1964: ‘Today is the last day of Towford School. We have closed today and will not be returning’. Let’s return to this building a playful spirit and keenness to learn about the natural world, each other and ourselves!

You couldn’t find a better location for a Centre as Towford. Feeling remote but a mere 15 minutes from Jedburgh, the area contains an abundance of features of educational interest, quite apart from its out-standing potential for hill-walking and the beautiful conservation grade grounds. The area is typical of the Scottish Cheviot country, with its rolling hills and wide valleys, clear streams, shelterbelts and rich grazings.

The widely scattered hamlets and hill-farms are linked by narrow, winding roads, little used but essential to settlement in the area. Roman remains, along with standing stones, hill forts, cultivation terraces and the like all add to the educational potential of the area. This area and this building with your help can make an outstanding contribution to the lives of many children, groups, adults and communities.

Why are we crowdfunding?

The building has been empty and unused for 17 years. It urgently needs some heating and a rewire if it is to survive its first winter in our care. We also seek to make it more sustainable and more importantly more accessible to people with disabilities. Many of the old systems are now considered unsafe. The roof needs patching and the grounds have become hugely overgrown and inaccessible. We have a fantastic community of volunteers who can provide the labour (we are of course always looking for more, especially people with trade’s experience). However, funds are needed specifically to:

Put in a wood burning stove
Re-wire the building
Replace two windows
Up-grade the Shower/toilet block – making it accessible to people with disabilities

Crowdfunding is the best way to fund this project because we can offer amazing incentives (see below) including use of the building once it’s fully operational. We also need the funding urgently to complete the essentials for Towford to survive the Scottish winter.

Rewards – What you get for your pledges

Exclusive to TIC TOC Backers

Pledge £5 or more – Your name (or a dedication) on the ‘wall of supporters’ in the Centre and on the website. You get this for all the other pledges

Pledge £10 or more – A unique ‘TIC TOC ! Time for MY Adventure’ snap band

Pledge £20 or more – a Commemorative ‘Key to Towford’

Pledge £25 or more – A designer TIC TOC T –shirt

Pledge £50 or more – A Tandem cycle hire for a day for two people (and 2 ‘TIC TOC Time for MY Adventure’ snap bands) – making this a fantastic unique Christmas or Birthday Gift !

Pledge £60 or more – A Scroll of an extract from the original Towford School Log book (dating back to the 19th Century)

Pledge £75 or more – A Limited Edition Print of an original painting of the Centre in its grounds (framed and posted) with a certificate of appreciation for your support

Pledge £100 or more – A 2 hour Archery Session for 12 people – a fantastic Christmas Gift, birthday party or work celebration – competitive, fun, enjoyable for all ages and abilities!

Pledge £120 or more – for a Family Weekend self-catering at Towford – enjoying the beautiful Scottish Borders!

Pledge £250 or more – A half day Family or Group Day out (Mountain Biking, Coasteering, Canoeing, Canyoning for 6 people) – as adrenaline rushing or relaxed as you wish!

Pledge £500 or more – A self-Catering weekend at Towford with an activity for up to 30 people! Tonnes of hills, a warm fire, isolated setting with the freedom to explore!

Pledge £600 or more – Your Company or Dedication details engraved onto a traditional wooden Bench

Pledge £1000 or more – A Dynamic Team Building Day (Wet/Dry/high-low impact) Activity of your choice and a plaque with your company details inscribed upon it – acknowledging your support

Pledge £6,000 or more – An idyllic water feature named after you and no one else for ever! (set in Towford’s beautiful 17 acre gardens).

Your pledge will benefit many people from all different walks of life. The organisations who have already stated that they will use this fantastic facility is huge and includes groups who organise or fund:

Family Respite breaks
Parenting – family strengthening groups
Alternatives to Crime Projects
Self-Directed Support – personal breaks or activities
Affordable Family Holidays
Youth work residentials
Schools and college field trips
Duke of Edinburgh groups
Employability groups and ready-for-work programmes
Conservation Charities
Courses, Therapies and retreats

We are a ‘hands-on’, ‘can-do’ social enterprise that look for creative and sustainable ways of changing young people’s lives – we do this on a daily basis. We can organise huge teams of volunteers – we have successfully done so on many projects – and this keeps costs down to a minimum (materials & technical advice only).

Due to this tremendous social capital your pledge will go far beyond how you imagined – making a huge difference to the long term prospect of this wonderful building becoming the source of so many positive memories and life-changing experiences.

Please pledge generously and remember – we’re not asking for something for nothing: you, your friends and family will love the rewards for your pledges that are exclusive to TIC TOC backers.

You have the opportunity to help create something that will benefit thousands of people every year – year on year.

Convinced? If you’d like to pledge your support to MY Adventure’s project go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/towford

City centre set for Social in the Square

Local social enterprises to strut their stuff this weekend

Edinburgh has a new festival! An ambitious new social enterprise festival, Social In The Square, will take over St Andrew Square this Friday and Saturday with family fun, music, dance, theatre, chef demonstrations and arts and crafts.

Social in the Square is taking social enterprise business to the next level and encouraging customers to consider their shopping choices and decisions. Visitors to the Square will have a chance to see and buy a wide range of local products and services with over 30 social enterprises taking part.

Social enterprise is a way of doing business that benefits the community, society or the environment. Social enterprises must reinvest all of their profits into their social or environmental aims and many also achieve their aims through the way that they run their business, for example by employing people who might otherwise find it difficult to find a job.

Linsay Chalmers, network coordinator, Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, said: “We are expecting a great turn out over the course of two days and have a great line-up of performances, music, foodie events, arts and craft. At front and centre, we also have our new branded Monster mascot signs ‘Doogie Goodstuff’ – to promote our social enterprise campaign, ‘Buy the Good Stuff”, to encourage people to buy from social enterprises and plough money back into their own communities.”

Award-winning Irish Dance troupe Siamsoir (above), entertained local workers and commuters when they rehearsed in the Square this morning. A social enterprise in its own right, the team of highly trained Irish dancers perform for corporate, social and charity events.

Speaking on behalf of the troupe, Jennifer Roxburgh, artistic director of the Irish Dance Academy, said: “There has been a lot of preparation for this new festival and we are very excited to be involved. Running your own social enterprise is extremely rewarding and many different types of business can grow from this example.

“We have been running the dance academy since 2005 and are now winning top awards which we hope will inspire others to start their own enterprise businesses.”

Fraser Kelly, chief executive, Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “It’s great to see an entirely new initiative like this come to life. Social Enterprise Scotland believes in taking social enterprise to the streets and to real people – bringing it into the mainstream. Social In The Square is the first of its kind and has gone city wide this week, with branding on Lothian Buses reaching local communities throughout Edinburgh. I am sure we will see a lot of interest from across Scotland as we start to see the impact of this event and the Buy the Good Stuff campaign.”

Chief executive, Ewan Fraser, Dunedin Canmore, said: “We signed up to supporting Social in the Square from the start and really see the social benefit of local business in local communities and with profits returning back into communities. As a social enterprise ourselves, it is encouraging to see the rich variety of businesses represented at this event.”

Keeping in tune with the ethos of the festival – the security, marketing materials, recycling and water for the volunteers has all being provided by social enterprises.

Social in the Square has been organised by Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network in partnership with Social Enterprise Scotland and is sponsored by Awards for All, Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, Link Housing Association, the Business Gateway, the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Markets

Find out more at www.socialinthesquare.com Follow us on Twitter @SocialinSquare or Facebook at www.facebook.com/socialinthesquare