Sustainable Thinking Scotland secures £190,000 loan to finance biochar technology as part of flexible repayment model – days after Scottish social ventures are criticised for a lack of commitment to net zero.
New survey shows poor engagement with environmental issues from social enterprises and charities in Scotland, as the country prepares to host the pivotal COP 26 summit in November.
PLUS: Pioneering revenue-based fund launches in Scotland; Back Market raises $335m in “bullish” circular economy market; AU$8m boost for Queensland social enterprises; Dutch trio backs “truly disruptive” AI firm Envision – and more.
Social Enterprise Action plan includes £5m for education and business support projects, a £30m loan fund – and plans to fund just one “clear voice” representing the sector.
About a fifth of Scotland’s social enterprises are so far using the UK’s furlough scheme, according to initial research, while lack of cash reserves among those applying for emergency grants suggests a financially fragile sector.
The Scottish government is among those announcing new funding this week, as it unveils early details of support for charities and social enterprises – but Westminster is yet to reassure the wider UK charity sector of its support.
Scotland is world-renowned for its thriving social enterprise scene, and it’s looking set to retain its top spot. Chris Martin, who joined Social Enterprise Scotland as CEO last December, tells us what to expect.
A cab ride around Glasgow with the head of Social Enterprise Scotland includes a song about jam sandwiches, a crowd of children – and an insight into deprivation and regeneration.
