Author | Lightnews

Reposted by Firstport Scotland

Just Enterprise @justenterprise.bsky.social · Jun 2

The Just Enterprise Impact Report 23–25 is out now!

See how fully funded support is strengthening social enterprise across Scotland.
📄 justenterprise.org/wp-content/u...
#JustEnterpriseImpact25 #SocialEnterpriseScotland @socialenterprise.scot @ceisgroup.bsky.social @firstportscotland.bsky.social

Graphic promoting the Just Enterprise Impact Report 2023–2025. The image features a quote in a speech bubble: "I’d done business support programmes before, but nothing as tailored and empowering as this...". Below is a partial view of the report’s open pages and front cover, with the title "Just Enterprise Impact Report 2023–2025". A red circle at the bottom right reads "OUT NOW!" in bold white text.

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Reposted by Firstport Scotland

Just Enterprise @justenterprise.bsky.social · Jun 16

Scotland’s social enterprise pipeline is thriving.

Here are 7 stats that show how Just Enterprise Start-Up support is nurturing ambition, inclusion and early-stage impact across the country.

🎥 Watch now! 👇

#JEImpact25 #StartupSupport #SocialEnterpriseScotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social

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Reposted by Firstport Scotland

Scottish Business Insider @scotbizinsider.bsky.social · Jul 7

The Pathways Pledge initiative has welcomed its fifth cohort, with the Edinburgh University, BGF, @mintventures.bsky.social and @firstportscotland.bsky.social among those signing up

www.insider.co.uk/news/ana-ste...

Ana Stewart’s Pathways Pledge initiative reaches fifth cohort

Connect Three, Geovation Scotland and Mint Ventures now among the 32 pledge partners so far

www.insider.co.uk

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Jun 30

To explore what’s new with the Catalyst Fund and learn more about how it can support you and your social enterprise, click on this link www.firstport.org.uk/news/the-cat...

The Catalyst Fund: Evolving to Meet New Needs - Firstport

Since 2021, the Catalyst Fund has backed ambitious social enterprises to grow, deploying flexible finance to help create social and environmental impact. But the landscape, makeup and needs of social ...

www.firstport.org.uk

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Jun 30

The Catalyst Fund backs social enterprises with flexible, repayable social investment—helping them grow, innovate and deliver impact. We’re making it more inclusive and accessible than ever.

Click the link in the comments to explore what’s new and see how it could support you.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Jun 20

Discover more about the Farmer Jones Training Academy and their journey with Firstport by clicking on this link www.firstport.org.uk/news/farmer-...

Farmer Jones Academy CIC secures £575,000 Catalyst Fund investment to develop youth-led innovation campus in Tain - Firstport

The campus will tackle rural depopulation and boost local employment through vocational training, sustainable food production, and tourism development

www.firstport.org.uk

Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Jun 20

Farmer Jones Academy CIC secures £575,000 Catalyst Fund investment to develop youth-led innovation campus in Tain

#socialenterprise #socent #socialinvestment

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · May 27

Are you a social enterprise working on bold ideas that address child poverty, economic inclusion, the climate emergency, and sustainable public services?

With a £50k top grant & two £25k runner-up awards, there’s more support than ever to bring your vision to life.

Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · May 20

Energy Training Academy is a great example of a social enterprise supporting Scotland's net zero ambitions by tackling the shortage of skills in heat & renewables technologies.

We're proud to have invested in them through the Catalyst Fund & thank them for hosting us.

Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 17

Funding from the Social Enterprise Boost Fund has re-opened for applications.

If you are interested in applying, please read the Guidance Notes before completing an application form and we encourage you to tap into the business support and training provided by @PNE

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 16

Discover more about Darroch Nurseries and their journey with Firstport by clicking on this link www.firstport.org.uk/case-studies...

#Darroch Nurseries: Planting the right tree in the right place for the right reasons. - Firstport

This case study highlights how Firstport has supported Darroch Nurseries, Scotland's only social enterprise dedicated to growing native, local provenance trees. Through funding and strategic support, ...

www.firstport.org.uk

Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 16

Darroch Nurseries began with a simple idea: plant the right tree, in the right place, for the right reasons. Now it’s tackling climate change, creating jobs, and growing a greener future.

#socialenterprise #socialimpact

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 16

Are you a social entrepreneur in Scotland ready to take your impact to the next level? If you’ve been thinking about social investment but not sure where to start — we’ve got you.

#socialinvestment #socent #socialimpact

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 10

View the full announcement here: www.firstport.org.uk/.../social-e...

The Social Enterprise Boost programme will run from March 2025 - March 2026 across County Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Thanet.

#Social Enterprise Boost: BlueJay Wellness CIC - Firstport

The Social Enterprise Boost team sat down with Lisa Cryer, the founder of BlueJay Wellness, a social enterprise that aims to empower young people in the North East to improve their mental and physical...

www.firstport.org.uk

Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 10

After two fantastic years of supporting impact-driven ventures, Firstport and PNE are back and ready to help even more changemakers in Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, we want to hear from you. Let’s grow your social enterprise together.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 8

If you’re thinking about #socialinvestment but not sure how to proceed, our investment experts are here to help point you in the right direction – whether that’s to our investment readiness support programmes, loan products or to other investors and funders.

Get in touch to learn more.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 7

Got questions about funding for social enterprise start ups?

We're hosting a StartIt surgery tomorrow that will answers any questions you have about our StartIt award.

See image for details.
#funding #socialenterprise #socent

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 7

This case study highlights Dundee-based Braw Tea Café, which empowers disadvantaged women through training, employment, and community support. Supported by Firstport, it offers a welcoming space for skill-building and confidence while serving and vegan meals. www.firstport.org.uk/case-studies...

#Braw Tea Café: A Kind Kitchen Changing Lives - Firstport

This case study highlights Dundee-based Braw Tea Café, which empowers disadvantaged women through training, employment, and community support. Supported by Firstport, it offers a welcoming space for s...

www.firstport.org.uk

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 1

Thank you for sharing, really appreciated. These workshops will tell you everything you need to know about applying for either our start it or build it awards.

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Reposted by Firstport Scotland

Forth Valley Social Enterprise Network @fvsen.scot · Mar 27

@firstportscotland.bsky.social is hosting a series of sessions to help you navigate their #funding criteria

📅'Start It' Workshop: 8 April, 10-11
📅'Build It' Workshops: 10 April, 10-11 | 15 April, 10-11 |
22 April, 10-11

🔗www.firstport.org.uk/category/events/

#startit #buildit #fundingworkshops

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 1

Step Up offers 0% interest loans from £5K to £30K to help social enterprises grow. Whether you’re developing new products, expanding services, or scaling up your operations, this funding can support your trading activities and business growth strategies www.firstport.org.uk/news/step-up...

Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Apr 1

We're hiring 🎉

Are you passionate about supporting social enterprises to grow and make a lasting impact? Do you have a keen eye for financial analysis and investment assessment experience?

Find out more about the role and how to apply by clicking on the link www.firstport.org.uk/meet-the-tea...

Reposted by Firstport Scotland

Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) @communityownership.bsky.social · Mar 25

And in community ownership since 2019 - www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/2502077... @democraticfinance.bsky.social

Successful business closing in on 25 years on town's High Street

AN INDEPENDENT business which has grown into a thriving community hub is celebrating 25 years in Dunbar.

www.eastlothiancourier.com

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Mar 25

We're hiring.

The Growth Advisor is a brand new role that will provide hands-on, tailored support to a portfolio of organisations scaling up their business operations and social or environmental impact.

Discover more about this role by clicking on this link www.firstport.org.uk/news/growth-...

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · Mar 21

Click on this link www.firstport.org.uk/case-studies... and learn more about Braw Tea and their empowering story.

#Braw Tea Café: A Kind Kitchen Changing Lives - Firstport

This case study highlights Dundee-based Braw Tea Café, which empowers disadvantaged women through training, employment, and community support. Supported by Firstport, it offers a welcoming space for s...

www.firstport.org.uk