Round two of FirstportLaunchMe programme is open to new applicants until 14 January
A programme which offers social entrepreneurs funding and business support, as well as introducing them to potential investors, is on the lookout for participants for its second intake.
Earlier this year LaunchMe helped seven ambitious social enterprises – ranging from a community bakery in the Borders to a go karting racetrack in the Highlands.
This time, the programme, run by Firstport and funded by the Big Lottery, is looking to more than double its intake by helping out 15 social entrepreneurs.
Participants will be taken through an intensive programme of business support, investment readiness, investment brokerage and mentoring. They also get the opportunity to apply for seed funding and additional funding to match any investment secured within the programme timeframes.
Rather than waiting for three, four or five years to scale up the business, LaunchMe will give us the impetus to do it in the next 12 months
Of the programme, Bruce Gunn of Delivered Next Day Personally (DNDP) – a member of the first cohort – said: “Rather than waiting for three, four or five years to scale up the business, LaunchMe will give us the impetus to do it in the next 12 months.
“I have so many hopes and ambitions for DNDP. It has the potential to be extended to other groups who find it difficult to find work, such as veterans and over 55s. I want to see a DNDP franchise in every local authority, run by disabled people and with disabled drivers in all 470 postcodes in Scotland, potentially creating up to 700 jobs, including co-pilots. LaunchMe will give us the platform to do this.”
To be eligible to apply to LaunchMe, you must be a social enterprises less than three years old operating in Scotland and with a track record of delivering social impact, ambitious growth plans and able to commit to an intensive programme of support until January 2017.
A spokesperson for LaunchMe added: “The first cohort are now benefitting from a tailored programme of support and advice that will help to connect them with potential investors.
“With the right mix of finance and expertise they will achieve their ambitions while providing lasting benefits for their local communities. They will also have the opportunity to apply for funding of up to £100,000 to match any investment they secure during the three-year programme. “
Applications to be part of the second round of the programme close at 12 noon on Wednesday 14 January 2015.
Guidelines, the application form and resources are available from launchmescotland.org.uk.
