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eBulletin

Welcome to the Social Enterprise Edinburgh eBulletin - providing you with information, events and news from the world of social enterprise in Edinburgh.  

Events 

There are a whole range of free enterprise events and workshops that may be suitable for you, including marketing and online sales. Listing here

News

The last month has seen enquiries relating to starting social enterprises in:

  • helping young people improve their social skills through music
  • helping those who are brain injured to develop themselves through art therapies
  • promoting events and news through a website

New social enterprises include:

New enterprise developments include:
Edinburgh Community Food’s re-branding and fabulous fresh produce offers at
http://www.edinburghcommunityfood.org.uk/


Third Sector to benefit from Mentoring 

Mentoring will be provided by business people to help Third Sector professionals make their organisations more enterprising and successful.  The Scottish Government has awarded a £186,200 contract to a consortium which will provide mentoring and coaching to help develop staff skills.  The consortium comprises the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Forth Sector, Edinburgh Business Development and Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).  To find out more about the contract which runs until 2011, please visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/02/26100410

Starting your Social Enterprise 
The social enterprise academy, in conjunction with First Port, are delivering a SYSE programme for those who are in the process of setting up their own social enterprise.  The programme, delivered in a highly participative style, will equip participants with the skills and knowledge that they will need to take their ideas forward.  The programme gets underway on 11th and 12th May and will last 8 days in total.  To learn more about the programme and how to apply please contact Kim at First Port by email (kim@firstport.org.uk) or by telephone on 0131 220 0511.

sroi logo
The SROI project is a Scottish Government funded programme designed to develop, promote and support the use of Social Return on Investment across the third sector in Scotland.  The project includes a major engagement programme, with seminars, workshops, and the production of an interactive website.  The SROI Project portal will be available from July 2009 at www.sroiproject.org.uk.  In the meantime if you would like to receive notification of upcoming events and publications, please email your contact details to SROIproject@forthsectordevelopment.co.uk 
Aspire to Enterprise - New Applicants

The Scottish Government funded programme 'Aspire to Enterprise' is looking for a new batch of applicants.  The programme is open to social enterprises that are already trading, have a minimum turnover of £60k/year and who can benefit from tailored development assistance prior to accessing mainstream support.  For more information about Aspire and on how to apply please visit http://www.aspiretoenterprise.org.uk

The Melting Pot
Are you looking for shared office and work space?  The Melting Pot provides space for individuals and organisations to work, meet, and hold events in the centre of Edinburgh.  Work for a day for free at The Melting Pot on one of their Open days in April and May on Tuesday 2nd April, Thursday 30th April, Tuesday 5th May and Thursday 28th May.  To find out more call 0131 243 2626 or visit http://www.themeltingpotedinburgh.org.uk

Funding

Capacity Building Grants - Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland 
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland capacity building grants are available to support organisations run effectively by working with them to identify strengths and set out opportunities for development.  Independent Advisers can help with governance financial management, fundraising, resource and financial planning, IT, communications, strategic development, and staff development.  To find out more please visit TSB Foundation for Scotland.

Self Management Fund for Scotland Launched   
The Self Management Fund for Scotland is now open for applications.  The fund is available to voluntary organisations and community groups throughout Scotland to support work to encourage people living with long term conditions to learn more about the management of their condition, and to become more active partners in their own care.  The fund is set at £2m per year, over the next two years.  Full details including guidance notes, eligibility criteria can be found at the LTCAS website www.ltcas.org.uk or email geddes@ltcas.org.uk.