​Firstport awards for 14 start-up social enterprises

Scotland’s next breed of social entrepreneurs have been awarded funding to help get their businesses off the ground by development agency Firstport.

In total 14 recipients have been awarded £80,000 through Firstport’s Start It and Build It awards schemes.

Clair Murray of Emotion Works in Edinburgh received the biggest grant of a £20,000 Build It award.

Her enterprise develops and provides educational resources and training to adults who work with and care for children.

She will now use the money to demonstrate her idea can generate income and deliver strong social outcomes.

Karen McGregor, chief executive of Firstport, said: “Social enterprises play such an important role in supporting Scotland’s communities by tackling social, environmental and community issues and creating employment opportunities. And we are delighted to give these entrepreneurs the support they need to carry on this work.

“The enthusiasm for social entrepreneurship in Scotland keeps on growing. All over Scotland, we have uncovered talented and committed individuals working at grassroots level to improve the lives of their communities.”

Other enterprises awarded funding include a music recording service for young musicians, to a newly designed power wheelchair that will allow wheelchair users to become more independent.