What we offer
Funding for social enterprises
All funds
Compare every fund at a glance. Closed funds stay listed so you can plan ahead.
Showing 7 of 7 funds
| Fund | Amount | For | Area | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start It | Up to £5,000 | Individuals with an idea | Scotland | Open all year |
| Community Enterprise Fund | Up to £5,000 | Community groups starting to trade | Scotland | Open all year |
| Build It | Up to £40,000 | Enterprises hiring to grow | Scotland | Next deadline 21 Jan 2027 |
| Social Innovation Challenge | £30,000 winner, £10,000 finalists | Ideas tackling the year's themes | Scotland | Closed: 2026 winner announced 28 OctGet told when it reopens |
| Social Enterprise Boost Fund | Up to £10,000 in stages | Sunderland and South Tyneside | North East England | Fully allocated this yearGet told when it reopens |
| Step Up | £5,000–£30,000 loan | Growing a proven activity | Scotland | Open all year |
| Catalyst Fund | Over £50,000 | Scaling business and impact | Scotland | Open all year |
- Start It
Up to £5,000
Individuals with an idea · Scotland
Open all year - Community Enterprise Fund
Up to £5,000
Community groups starting to trade · Scotland
Open all year - Build It
Up to £40,000
Enterprises hiring to grow · Scotland
Next deadline 21 Jan 2027 - Social Innovation Challenge
£30,000 winner, £10,000 finalists
Ideas tackling the year's themes · Scotland
Closed: 2026 winner announced 28 OctGet told when it reopens - Social Enterprise Boost Fund
Up to £10,000 in stages
Sunderland and South Tyneside · North East England
Fully allocated this yearGet told when it reopens - Step Up
£5,000–£30,000 loan
Growing a proven activity · Scotland
Open all year - Catalyst Fund
Over £50,000
Scaling business and impact · Scotland
Open all year
How applying works
Step 1: Check it's for you
Each fund page has a quick eligibility check.Step 2: Have a free chat (optional)
A 15-minute call with your area’s relationship manager. Find yoursStep 3: Apply on the portal
Applications are made on the funding portal.Step 4: Assessment and decision
An informal assessment, then a decision. If the answer is no, feedback helps you strengthen a future application.
Not just money
75% of successful Start It applicants worked with a business advisor before applying (2023). Advice is free, before and after you apply.
Common questions
How much is Start It, and what can it pay for?
Up to £5,000 for start-up costs. Typical costs include legal or incorporation fees, rent if you have premises, a website and branding, insurance and accountancy, and equipment. Start It funds you rather than the business.
Can community groups apply?
Yes, through the Community Enterprise Fund. It offers up to £5,000, spent over twelve months, for constituted community groups in Scotland that want to start trading or set up a social enterprise. It can't pay for existing activities, repairs or property improvements.
Can I get a loan instead of a grant?
Yes, if you're already trading in Scotland. Step Up offers 0% interest loans of £5,000–£30,000 to repeat an activity that has already worked, with a decision within three weeks. The Catalyst Fund offers revenue-based investment of over £50,000.
Can I use AI to help write my application?
Yes, but check everything it writes. AI content can be inaccurate or incomplete. Firstport never uses AI to make assessment or funding decisions. If you hit accessibility barriers, contact the team about other ways to apply.
Firstport publishes every grant it awards as open data through 360Giving. See the data.