GrantRadar

Firstport

Community Enterprise Fund

Grants of up to £5,000 from Firstport, funded by the Scottish Government's Social Entrepreneurs Fund, for constituted community and third sector groups in Scotland that want to start trading or set up a social enterprise. The money covers start-up costs such as legal fees, rent, branding, insurance and equipment, not existing activities. It is an open, rolling programme with an informal call before an independent panel decides.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £5,000
no fixed round
Deadline
Rolling
apply any time
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Constituted third sector or community groups based in Scotland, operating primarily for the benefit of people or communities in Scotland, with a bank account in the group's name, that are not yet trading on a regular basis and are not involved in political campaigning or the advancement of religion
  • Unconstituted groups are not eligible (Firstport suggests Start It instead)
  • The proposal must be, or plan to be, an asset-locked social enterprise at start-up stage, show how it will become financially sustainable through trading, and deliver direct, measurable social impact; if it needs premises, suitable premises and an agreement in principle with the owner must be in place
  • There is no turnover limit, but the fund is aimed at smaller organisations
  • Anyone who previously received a Start It award as an individual cannot apply

What it funds

Most start-up and development costs, including:

  • Legal fees for setting up a legal entity for the enterprise, and/or registration as a charity or community interest company
  • Rent for premises/office space
  • Venue hire
  • Utilities – including phones
  • Website, branding, logo design
  • Marketing materials and stationery
  • Insurance
  • Accountancy
  • Equipment
  • Laptop and/or software (laptops to a maximum of £600, where it is an essential need)

What it will not fund

  • Existing activities, repairs, or property improvements of a community organisation
  • Core costs of existing community services or projects that are already operational
  • Retrospective costs
  • Wages, salaries or payment for time spent developing the enterprise
  • Training/qualifications to deliver core services
  • Consultancy work on business plans, market research or feasibility studies
  • Meeting/subsistence costs
  • Permanent redevelopment of privately owned property
  • Livestock
  • Subsidies for beneficiaries
  • Overseas travel

How to apply

  1. Read the guidance notes (optionally book a free 15-minute introductory chat or use the Accelerate programme by Community Enterprise)
  2. Register or log in to Firstport's application portal and choose Community Enterprise Application
  3. Complete the form, upload documents and submit
  4. Firstport contacts you within 2-4 weeks to arrange an informal phone or Teams discussion about your idea
  5. An independent funding panel makes the final decision

a Word version of the form is available for those with accessibility needs.

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