What we offer
Free business support
Support for where you are
Starting out
Growing
What your advisor can help with
- Is my idea a social enterprise?
- Your business model
- Getting your pricing right
- Choosing a legal structure
- Building a board
- Preparing to apply for funding
- Finding specialist help
Advisors don’t write your application for you. They challenge your assumptions, help you through hurdles and connect you with the knowledge you need.
Workshops, office hours and dates
Added once by the team, these appear here, on Resources and news, and on the relevant fund pages.
- EventReady to RISE: next cohort starts 28 October28 Oct 2026 · online
Eight free Wednesday sessions on Zoom for women and non-binary people exploring social enterprise.
- EventSocial Innovation Challenge 2026: winner announced28 Oct 2026
This year's finalists pitch to the award panel on 26 October; the winner receives £30,000 and tailored support.
- EventReady to RISE: January cohort13 Jan 2027 · online
The third cohort runs from 13 January to 3 March 2027.
- EventBuild It: next deadline21 Jan 2027 · deadline
The next application deadline for Build It grants of up to £40,000 for new roles.
Your team, by area
A relationship manager will talk through your idea and which fund fits. It’s not an assessment.
Choose your area to see who you’ll talk to.
Common questions
Is Firstport's support free?
Yes. Grant funding, one-to-one business advice, investment readiness support and social investment services are free to clients. Firstport is paid to deliver programmes for the Scottish Government, foundations and other public-sector partners.
Do I need a business background?
No. Most people feel they're missing skills at the beginning, and it isn't a barrier. Many Start It awardees had never run a business before. A business advisor helps with things like your business model, pricing and legal structure.
Is my idea a social enterprise?
If it trades to make a profit and reinvests that profit in doing good, it could be. Social enterprises are businesses that use their profits for positive impact, reinvesting them in their communities and the people they serve. There's no single legal structure. If your idea is purpose-led but not a social enterprise, Firstport's sister company Firstimpact may be able to help.
Ready to talk?
Advice is free, from your first idea to your first investment.