SOCIAL enterprises in Scotland have secured funding of nearly £270,000 from two separate schemes.
Four social entrepreneurs in Scotland have shared a total of about £95,000 in grant awards from the Scottish Government’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund. This fund is run by Firstport, the Scottish development agency for start-up social enterprises.
Heather Royan has received £25,000 of grant funding for her Babes in the Wood Pre-loved Boutique in Bishopbriggs on the outskirts of Glasgow, which recycles quality but affordable baby and children’s goods.
Stephen Agyen has secured grant funding of £20,000 for his Glasgow business Try A Job, which offers work placements to young people who are not in employment, education or training.
Mishal Francis has been awarded £25,000 of grant funding for the House of Hope Recycling Village in South Lanarkshire, which sells affordable white goods and furniture that might otherwise go to landfill.
Linda Fay has secured £25,000 of funding for Edinburgh social enterprise Life-Pod, which provides advice and support to people affected by hoarding disorder and other conditions resulting in chronic disorganisation. Firstport noted that hoarding disorder affected an estimated six per cent of the UK population.
Meanwhile, Social Investment Scotland has distributed about £172,000 of loans from the Asda Community Capital carrier bag fund, on behalf of the supermarket chain.
Among the recipients of this funding is Leith Theatre Trust, which will use its £27,500 loan to take over the operation of the Leith Theatre complex from Edinburgh City Council. Asda noted the trust’s plans to renovate the theatre, which has been closed for more than 25 years.
The Bay Tree Community Cafe, which aims to reduce health inequalities associated with food and nutrition and operates within a retirement complex in the south of Edinburgh, will receive loan funding of £38,000 to create a new “health hub” and to expand. Bay Tree is opening a new cafe on Bonnington Road in Leith.
Among other recipients, Highland Perthshire Media has secured a £25,000 loan from the fund, to finance its production and distribution of a news magazine aimed at local residents and visiting tourists.
And Venture Mor will use its £45,000 loan to upgrade its hostel facility, cater for weddings and events, and grow its own food.
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