Community Enterprise In Scotland (CEIS) and Interface have joined forces for a new programme
A new programme aims to help place Scotland's voluntary sector at the heart of the country's recovery.
Two organisations have combined forces to offer a tailor-made programme targeted at boosting innovation in social enterprises and third sector organisations.
Community Enterprise In Scotland (CEIS) and Interface have come together in a unique partnership to deliver their Inclusive Innovation programme to support societal and environmental change through third sector organisations.
The programme is designed to raise awareness of the support and resources available to organisations and individuals with innovative ideas that address societal and/or environmental issues within Scotland, and beyond.
Shona Robison MSP, cabinet secretary for social justice, housing and local government, said: “Scotland is committed to growing an inclusive, net-zero economy by 2045. This transition however, must be a Just Transition that delivers a more cohesive and resilient economy that improves the opportunities, life chances, and wellbeing of every citizen in our country.
“By bringing together the innovative thinking and ethos of Scotland’s world-renowned third sector with the innovation ecosystem within our universities, research institutes and colleges, we can help to facilitate a new wave of Inclusive Innovation to support this Just Transition.
“For these reasons, I am delighted to be able to lend my support to the launch of the Inclusive Innovation programme being delivered by Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEIS) and Interface.”
Regardless of the type of organisation they are (community enterprise, social enterprise, mission led business, or third sector organisation); if they are an individual; or whichever sector they operate in; if they have an idea to grow or scale their impact; then the programme will look to help them rapidly realise their ambitions.
CEIS and Interface will jointly deliver this new Inclusive Innovation programme, funded by the Scottish Government. The programme aims to stimulate and support innovative growth across all aspects of Scotland’s third sector.
It will do this by connecting enterprises and individuals that have innovative ideas to address the social and environmental problems we are facing today, with the expertise, resources and access to funding routes provided by Scotland's universities, research institutes and colleges.
James Finnie, interim chief executive, Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEIS), said: “Scotland has a world-leading third sector. By partnering with Interface to deliver the Inclusive Innovation programme we aim to connect the individuals and organisations within the sector to the expertise, specialist facilities, equipment and funding available within Scotland’s wider innovation ecosystem.
“This will not only help ensure that that Scotland’s third sector organisations can continue to play an ever-increasing role in tackling the social and environmental problems we are all facing today, but it will also ensure that it is done in a way that continues to rebalance our economy towards a fairer and greener Scotland.”
Dr Siobhán Jordan, director, Interface, added: “This programme of activity is a wonderful example of how Interface is working in collaboration with other organisations in championing the delivery of a fair and green future for Scotland.
“Through a series of free online events, we will demonstrate how enterprises across diverse sectors have grown their ideas to fruition and the positive impact this has had on society and the planet. The new programme is designed to inspire enterprises and individuals with innovative ideas as to the art of the possible.”
More information and how to sign up to the online events is available here.
