Scotland’s third sector has been given a ‘massive boost’ with the launch of two new programmes to help enterprising organisations grow and operate more efficiently.
The £3 million Just Enterprise programme will deliver a wide range of business support to social entrepreneurs and third sector organisations across Scotland. It will lead to the creation of an online hub where organisations can go for support and assistance.
A further £4 million pounds will be provided through the Enterprise Growth Fund. This will see grants of between £25,000 and £200,000 awarded to enterprising third sector organisations with the most sustainable and ambitious business plans.
Finance Secretary John Swinney launched the programmes at the offices of Speacialisterne in Glasgow. The social enterprise, which trains people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, is building the online access point for both programmes.
For 2011 -12, The £4 million Enterprise Growth Fund will provide grants of £25,000 – £200,000 to third sector organisations to help ensure their long term sustainability, by developing their organisational structures and/or sustainable income streams.
The £300,000 contract has been awarded to a Consortium led by the Wise Group in partnership with Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEiS), Developing Strathclyde Ltd (DSL) and Think! Research.
The £3 million contract for third sector business support for 2011-14 has been awarded to the Just Enterprise consortium headed by CEiS (Community Enterprise in Scotland). HIE are a funding partner providing 10 per cent of the funding for the contract.
Just Enterprise complements the economic development infrastructures in Scotland – Scottish Enterprise, HIE, Business Gateway and Third Sector Interfaces.
HIE are match funders of Just Enterprise -providing 10 per cent of the funding.
Just Enterprise will see uniform delivery of Business support services to all sections of the third sector.
Scottish Government Press Releases: LINK
