Guides, events, news and reports

Showing 12 of 27, newest first

• Event
  Build It: next deadline

  The next application deadline for Build It grants of up to £40,000 for new roles.

  21 Jan 2027 · deadline
• Event
  Ready to RISE: January cohort

  The third cohort runs from 13 January to 3 March 2027.

  13 Jan 2027 · online
• Event
  Ready to RISE: next cohort starts 28 October

  Eight free Wednesday sessions on Zoom for women and non-binary people exploring social enterprise.

  28 Oct 2026 · online
• Event
  Social Innovation Challenge 2026: winner announced (on the current Firstport site)

  This year's finalists pitch to the award panel on 26 October; the winner receives £30,000 and tailored support.

  28 Oct 2026
• Event
  Office hours: guidance for your Start It application (on the current Firstport site)

  A relationship manager answers your questions about Start It, including eligibility and the application process.

  Regular · online
• Event
  Office hours: expert advice for your Build It application (on the current Firstport site)

  Insider advice on the Build It application process, updated criteria and a Q&A.

  Regular · online
• Story
  Step Up with Orkney Dance & Fitness

  Inclusive dance and fitness classes, and equipment, taken to rural community halls across Orkney, paid for by memberships, pay-as-you-go classes and private events.

  Sept 2026
• Report
  LaunchMe end of year report 2025-26 (on the current Firstport site)

  What LaunchMe participants achieved over the last year.

  Sep 2026
• Story
  Shore Psychology: from Social Innovation Challenge finalist to thriving social enterprise

  A psychology-led social enterprise that used its award for clinician training, assessment equipment and rent, built a pay-it-forward model, and now offers therapy, neurodiversity assessments and training.

  Aug 2026
• Story
  Step Up with Fair Feast

  Venison from overpopulated deer on a family farm near Pitlochry becomes donations for food banks and community larders, funded by sales from a social enterprise butcher's shop on the high street.

  Jul 2026
• Report
  Impact report 2025-26: executive summary

  A year of reach, growth and investment: 500+ ideas supported, £1.69m in grants and £1.28m in social investment.

  Jun 2026
• Guide
  What is social enterprise?

  What makes a business a social enterprise, the legal structures you can choose and how to tell if your idea is one.

  Guide