After a competitive selection process, six social enterprises from across the country have been announced as the latest participants on LaunchMe, Scotland’s social enterprise accelerator.
The selected enterprises operate across sectors and geographies, and include EnableNet, the UK’s first social enterprise internet service provider, and Animalia CIC, a sportswear brand that manufactures fitness gear.
All the enterprises were selected based on their potential to scale, secure investment and generate social impact in their communities.
LaunchMe, which is delivered by social enterprise start-up agency Firstport, supports ambitious social enterprises to achieve scale by getting them investment ready and connecting them with investors looking for social, as well as financial, returns.
In addition to initial seed funding, selected participants have the opportunity to apply for grant funding as co-investment to match any private and institutional investment they secure during the programme.
The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Barclays bank. LaunchMe alumni include letting agency Homes for Good, art retailer the Scottish Design Exchange and tour company Invisible Cities.
The six selected social enterprises are:
- EnableNet, Fife – The brainchild of Rob Flannigan is the first social enterprise internet service provider in the UK, offering superfast broadband services at competitive prices to residential customers.
- National Support Network CIC, Glasgow – Founded by Cat Divers, the network aims to to help people find support fast with the UK’s largest database of vetted resources.
- Animalia CIC, Glasgow – Set up by Tony O’Neill, this a Scottish sportswear brand makes fitness and fight wear gear while supporting young people through community programmes.
- Starting Step, Perth – Led by Dodie Piddock, the enterprise uses hospitality and horticulture as a route to provide real life work experience for those with a criminal history to (re)enter Scotland’s workforce.
- Kingdom Off Road Motorcycle Club, Fife – David Paton's the club aims to make its community safer by providing structured programmes and access to a controlled track facility for off-road motorcycling, as well as to provide off-road motorcycle related opportunities to help people prepare for employment and life challenges.
- Just Breathe O2, Dumfries & Galloway – Established by Beth Morrison, the enterprise aims to provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to individuals across the Borderlands community.
Josiah Lockhart, chief executive of Firstport, said: “The ambition and drive of social enterprises continue to impress us.
“Despite facing incredible challenges over the last two years, these six social enterprises have demonstrated that they have robust and resilient business models with the potential to scale and achieve greater social impact.
“With the cost-of-living crisis, Brexit uncertainties and Covid still lingering, now more than ever social enterprises have an important role to play in making our communities fairer, healthier and more prosperous.”
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Shona Robison added: “Our support for LaunchMe demonstrates, not only our commitment to the programme, but our commitment to ensuring Scotland retains its position as a world class social enterprise country.”
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