voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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Firstport - Social Entrepreneurs - Step Up
Created: 21/11/2024
News/Events Category: Funding and Finance
Step Up is a repayable funding programme for early and growth stage social enterprises (less than six years old) that require financial support to strengthen and sustain trading.
The fund is specifically aimed at social enterprises that want to repeat or scale ideas that have previously delivered revenue growth for their business.
Step Up provides awards between £5,000 and £30,000 through a 0% interest loan.
Funding can be used for:
- Purchasing more stock or equipment
- Running marketing campaigns
- Hiring a venue for an event or course
- Purchasing capital items e.g. vehicles
- Hiring/training staff
Who can apply
Social enterprises that:
- Have a registered office in Scotland
- Operate primarily for the benefit of people or communities in Scotland
- Have an asset-locked constitution and are registered with Companies House, OSCR, or the Mutual Public Register.
- Have a business bank account in the name of the social enterprise
- Have a board of directors/trustees, of who no more than half are related to one another or employed by the enterprise
- Have been incorporated for fewer than six years
- Have evidence of successful trading and the potential to become financially sustainable
- Have evidence of the direct, measurable social or environmental impact it has delivered
How to apply
Complete an online application form along with supporting documents. You will hear about the outcome within three weeks.
You can apply at any time, however Step Up will be closed 15-31 December 2025 so no decisions will be taken during this period.
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