Tell us about Firstport
Firstport is Scotland’s development agency for start-up social enterprise. Our mission is to stimulate the development of new social enterprises to start something good. We offer a full package of free business support and resources that includes start-up funds, business advice, practical tools and connections.
But what is social enterprise?
Social enterprises are businesses that trade to tackle social problems, improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment. Just like any other business, social enterprises make their money from selling goods and services in the open market, but they reinvest their profits back into the social aims of the business or the local community.
The number of social enterprises across Scotland continues to grow – there’s probably one running a shop, art gallery, sports centre or cafe in your local area! You can find examples of Scottish social enterprises on our website.
Why are you involved with the Converge Challenge?
At Firstport, we have long believed that social enterprise and innovation go hand in hand – whether through pioneering more ethical or sustainable approaches, or by filling gaps and responding directly to emerging social issues.
We believe there are some fantastic ideas coming out of universities that clearly address a social issue. We want to make sure that social enterprise is recognised by students and academics as a viable route to spin out an idea. Some examples of enterprises we’ve worked with in the past that originated from universities include Eurobiotix (James McIlroy), Lingo Flamingo (Robbie Norval) and Pop Up! Scotland (Anne Rushing).
How have you supported the Converge Challenge to date?
Firstport has been involved in the Converge Challenge since 2014, offering the runner up prize for the Social Enterprise Competition. This involves a cash prize of £3,500 and access to the Firstport adviser network, as well as access to the broader social enterprise network.
Our Programme Manager Kirstie Penman sits on the judging panel for the Social Enterprise Competition, bringing her wealth of expertise on the sector.
Describe some industry developments, trends or ways Firstport can support the Converge Challenge Class as well as alumni in 2017?
On 12 April 2017, the Scottish Government launched the 2017-2020 Social Enterprise Action Plan, a three year plan to encourage the next phase of social enterprise innovators. The plan follows the publication of Scotland’s first-ever Social Enterprise Strategy, aimed at sustainably growing the sector over the next decade.
Already, Scotland has more than 5,000 social enterprises, with 200 new enterprises starting up every year. At Firstport, we want to see this number grow even higher; encouraging more people, from more diverse backgrounds and more places, to start up social enterprises.
Starting a business can be a daunting prospect but our advisors are here to help you develop your idea and get it off the ground. We are the go to agency for start up social entrepreneurs in Scotland and have all the support you need under one roof – and best of all it’s free!
What advice would you give an academic entrepreneur or new start up?
This may seem obvious, but tap into all the support that may be available to you. There are local, regional and national organisations (like us) here to help you along the way, so make sure you make contact! Networking is crucial to allow you to talk about your idea and meet people who can help you make it happen.
Make sure you check out funding streams. As a social enterprise, you may be able to apply for grants to get you get started. For example, Firstport runs an awards programme that can help with up to £5000 of start up costs.
Finally, the best tip we can give you is to just do it! Yes it will be scary, but help is out there if you want it, so it shouldn’t be a lonely journey. Oh, and if you are wondering where to start, your first port of call is right here!
What other support does Firstport offer to start up social enterprises?
Once you’ve got your business off the ground, the next stage is to grow it. Firstport run an accelerator for ambitious, early stage social enterprises called LaunchMe. LaunchMe is for social enterprises that are less than three years old, operating in Scotland, ready to scale up and increase their social impact and looking for investment and support to grow.
We also run a number of place-based initiatives across Scotland, including What if...Girvan, which supports people across the South Carrick area to turn their ideas into businesses that benefit their community.
Firstport is proud to be partners of Converge Challenge and support the Social Enterprise Competition. For more information on Firstport please contact us on 0131 558 2724 or visit our website at www.firstport.org.uk.
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