Social enterprise support body has funding extended in a boost to Scottish sector
Social enterprise support consortium Just Enterprise, which provides training and assistance for developing social businesses, has had its funding extended until June 2016.
In a boost to Scotland’s position as a world leader in the development of social enterprise, Just Enterprise - which was launched in 2011 - will continue to provide a range of help from start up support to leadership development.
As third sector organisations become more central to the Scottish economy, by providing a business support programme we expect social enterprises to win a bigger proportion of public contracts, now and in the future - John Swinney
John Swinney, cabinet secretary for finance
The consortium, which is coordinated by CEIS, has so far supported over 4,300 companies and individuals.
Just Enterprise client Laura Nicolson, general manager at Velocity Cafe, said: “We have been extremely fortunate in receiving support from Just Enterprise since the beginning of our idea. The support has come in advice, experience sharing, connections with experts and others. Without it we would probably still be wandering the streets of Inverness”.
James Ward, YES business development manager, also commented: “The YES Academy is an exciting new project for Young Enterprise Scotland which benefitted from excellent financial and business financial advice from Just Enterprise. The whole experience has allowed us to proceed full of confidence that the project is equipped for success”.
Announcing the continuation of the programme, cabinet secretary for finance, employment and sustainable growth John Swinney said: “This contract will help strengthen the third sector in Scotland, making it more sustainable, capable and innovative.
“As third sector organisations become more central to the Scottish economy, by providing a business support programme we expect social enterprises to win a bigger proportion of public contracts, now and in the future.”
Just Enterprise will continue to offer existing services and introduce new ones including business recovery assistance for struggling social enterprises.
Open to all third sector organisations, whether established or new, the programme delivers support and training in all areas of business including business planning, sales and marketing strategies, feasibility studies and access to an extensive learning and development programme.
