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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 12h

We’re thrilled to say that we have been shortlisted for Prove It: Social Impact Award in Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK’s prestigious UK Social Enterprise Awards.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Supporting social entrepreneurs isn’t just about funding. It’s about understanding what makes each community different. That’s why we are moving towards a more regional approach, building stronger connections with the people and organisations creating change across Scotland. ow.ly/psJ650ZNGQj

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

After an inspiring visit to the Dounby Church in Orkney to hear more about the future of #Orkney Dance and Fitness, we're ready to go at the St Magnus Centre this morning to discuss the benefits of social enterprise.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Good ideas start in Orkney. Excited to be heading to Kirkwall for an afternoon of practical conversations about social enterprise, sustainability, funding and what comes next. #Kirkwall #Orkney #SocialEnterprise

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

What can social enterprise do for Orkney? And what could it mean for you? Business for Good, an in-person event at the St Magnus Centre in Kirkwall, is for anyone who wants to explore opportunities for collaborative working, and understand the real benefits and opportunities of social enterprise.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

If you’re in Orkney, this is your chance to get to grips with everything you need to know about social enterprise. We’ll cut through the jargon, demystify what social enterprise actually is, and give you confidence to get started. St Magnus Centre from 11am. Register online at lnkd.in/e_EjNpXr

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Just one day left to apply for Build It funding. If you’re a social entrepreneur in Scotland ready to grow your venture, Our Build It fund could help turn your plans into your next big step. Applications close NOON TOMORROW Find out more and apply today by tapping on this link ow.ly/ZzGO50ZQxkA

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

With 67% of our clients being women, we’re proud to support women to grow, thrive and succeed.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Who will you meet at Good Ideas Start Here? You’ll meet Christine Fairbairn, Charles Morgan and Lauren Scott from Firstport, alongside Karen Scholes from Scholes Chartered Accountants and Clare Gee from Voluntary Action Orkney. St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall 30 Sep 11am–3pm Free ow.ly/Vhlp50ZPy9Z

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

What if your business could make money and make a difference across Orkney? Come along to Business for Good and explore how social enterprises are using business to tackle real-community challenges. St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall Thursday 1 Oct 10am–12pm Fee Book online at lnkd.in/eQGN3tuC

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

One for our friends in #Orkney. We're hosting a free in person event in Kirkwall that will teach you everything you to know about starting a social enterprise. 30th Sep from 11am at the St Magnus Centre. Please share with your Orcadian connections.

Woman in workout attire holding a pink dumbbell, promoting a social enterprise event in Orkney on September 30 at St Magnus Centre.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Social enterprise often asks a powerful question, how can impact be powered through earned income? In this clip, Emily Macdonald & Daisy Ford-Downes explore the difference between models that rely mainly on grants and donations, and social enterprises that generate income through something of value

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

“It does not all have to be extractive.” In the season finale of The Catalyst: Inside Social Investment, Daisy Ford-Downes reflects on how ownership, governance, and finance can be designed differently. Watch the full episode on Youtube to hear more. #socialinvestment #investment #business

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Money alone is rarely enough. In the season finale of The Catalyst: Inside Social Investment, Daisy Ford-Downes explores why social investment works best when finance and support go together.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

National reach. Local relationships. Real change starts with listening. Find out how Firstport is strengthening local connections across Scotland and supporting social entrepreneurs where it matters. www.firstport.org.uk/news/nationa...

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Reposted by Firstport Scotland

Social Investment Scotland @socinvestscot.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Join us in Dundee for Funding Socials: 📍 The Circle, Dundee 📅 Tuesday, 29 October 2026 🕒 10:00AM - 1:15PM Find out more and register now: buff.ly/P7nN7rf #SocialEnterprise #CharityLeadership #Networking #SouthOfScotland #CentralScotland #TaysideandFife #ScotlandFunding

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Funding applications can feel hard to navigate. In Episode 6 of The Catalyst: Inside Social Investment, Hal Prescott shares how the Catalyst Fund process felt more conversational, supportive, and joined up with Foundation Scotland. Watch the full episode.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

A good idea needs more than encouragement. In Episode 6 of The Catalyst: Inside Social Investment, Hal Prescott shares why founders should test ideas with peers and people who can challenge assumptions before raising investment. Listen to the full episode where ever you get your podcasts.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Episode 6 of out podcast, The Catalyst: Inside social investment is out now. Emily Macdonald speaks with Hal Prescott from The Pit about social investment, LaunchMe, the Catalyst Fund, crowdfunding, phasing a project, and building a community hub in Granton. Watch on YouTube or listen now.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Over the past year, we supported more than 500 ideas and distributed £2.97 million in funding, including £1.69 million in grants and £1.28 million in social investment, helping social enterprises start, grow and scale.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Download our free, plain-English guide to understand the funding landscape, explore revenue-based finance and assess whether your organisation is investment-ready. Get the guide by tapping on the link ow.ly/LMrC50ZAvlI #socialinvestment

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Episode 5 of The Catalyst is live. Emily Macdonald speaks with Amy Gutcher from Sumerian about #socialinvestment, cash flow, patient capital, founder wellbeing, risk, and why finance should come with support. Search for Catalyst: Inside social investment where ever you get your podcasts.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Investment readiness is not just paperwork. In Episode 5 of The Catalyst, Amy Gutcher explains why readiness is also about understanding your business, your finances, your team, and what growth would really involve.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

In Episode 4 of The Catalyst: Inside Social Investment, Susan Aktemel from @homesforgood.bsky.social reflects on how Firstport support helped Homes for Good move from idea to reality. #businesssupport #startupadvice #socialenterprise

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Impact can show up in the language people start using. In Episode 4 of The Catalyst, Susan Aktemel shares how Homes for Good helped shape the idea of the social purpose private rented sector. Search for the Catalyst: Inside Social Investment where ever you get your podcasts to learn more.

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Reposted by Firstport Scotland

Protests and Suffragettes @scotsuffragette.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Misogyny isn't inevitable. It's learned. ⭐️The good news? It can be challenged through education, honest conversations, and learning from historical changemakers who refused to accept inequality.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Episode 4 of our podcast, The Catalyst: Inside Social Investment is live. This week Emily is joined by Susan Aktemel from Homes for Good to discuss social investment, financial models, grants, trust, and what founders need to understand before approaching investors. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpA4...

youtube.com

The Catalyst: Inside social investment. Episode 4 - Susan Aktemel

YouTube video by FirstportScotland

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Emily Macdonald speaks with Chris Holloway from @foundationscotland.bsky.social about blended finance, investment readiness, patient capital, and building stronger partnerships across Scotland’s social investment ecosystem. Watch on YouTube at youtu.be/5zv2hVgBPVA #socialinvestment #socialimpact

youtu.be

The Catalyst: Inside social investment. Episode 3 - Chris Holloway

YouTube video by FirstportScotland

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Sometimes a social enterprise begins with a need you feel for yourself. In Episode 2 of The Catalyst, Trudi Donahue shares how Wild & Kind grew from craft workshops into a creative community. Watch the full episode here www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWzg...

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Gael Drummond, Group CEO of Firstport, is speaking at the Holistic Wellbeing Summit in Edinburgh on 18 Sep. Her keynote, “Enterprise and Leadership Pathways Designed for Real Lives,” will explore how we can create more practical pathways for women to participate and thrive in work and leadership.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Debt can feel scary, especially if you’ve only known grant funding. In Episode 2 of The Catalyst, Trudi Donahue from Wild & Kind explains why flexible social investment through the Catalyst Fund felt more manageable. #socialinvestment

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Emily Macdonald speaks with Trudi Donahue from Wild & Kind about social investment, Start It, Build It, LaunchMe, the Catalyst Fund, cash flow, uncertainty, and building a social enterprise through change. Watch now on Youtube - www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWzg... #socialenterprise #socialinvestment

youtube.com

The Catalyst, Episode 2: Trudi Donahue

YouTube video by FirstportScotland

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

In Episode 1 of The Catalyst, Angie Lee reflects on burnout, learning as you go, and why founders need practical support around them. Search for The Catalyst: Inside social investment wherever you get your podcasts to listen to the full conversation and learn more about social investment.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Getting the money is not the finish line. In Episode 1 of The Catalyst, Angie Lee explores why founders need to think beyond securing funding, and focus on how money is used to build something sustainable

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

When you're building a social enterprise, the right support can make all the difference. It's why so many people choose us as a trusted, reliable partner, helping them to build strong foundations for long-term success. #socialenterprise #socent #socialimpact

Graphic showing upward arrow with text highlighting that 67% of Firstport awardees remain active after five years, surpassing UK average of 38%.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Many founders start with a problem they want to solve, without knowing it might be a social enterprise. In Episode 1 of our new Social Investment podcast - The Catalyst, Angie Lee explores why accessible support matters, especially for founders outside established networks.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Many founders start with a problem they want to solve, without knowing it might be a social enterprise. In Episode 1 of The Catalyst, Angie Lee explores why accessible support matters, especially for founders outside established networks. Watch the full episode here www.youtube.com/watch?v=61oh...

youtube.com

The Catalyst Episode One: Angie Lee

YouTube video by FirstportScotland

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

The Social Innovation Challenge is a grant-funding and support programme that seeks innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges of our times. To find out more information and if your enterprise is eligible to apply, click on this link ow.ly/nEqK50Zt9cJ

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Build It offers grants of up to £40,000 for early-stage social enterprises seeking funding for salary costs. Before applying, please do take a moment to swipe through the carousel and check the eligibility criteria.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Hear the stories of some amazing female social entrepreneurs and learn more about how Ready to RISE can help you explore social entrepreneurship to earn a living. To attend this event, you can register by clicking on this link ow.ly/bEWx50ZiKpe

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

At its core, a social enterprise is a business that generates a profit and reinvests it in a social or environmental mission. When did you start referring to your business as a "social enterprise", or do you still call it something else?

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

The Social Innovation Challenge funds and supports innovators to kick-start solutions that tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. To discover if your social enterprise is eligible to apply, click on this link ow.ly/oO5y50ZlwMU to read the eligibility criteria.

Young man in a beanie and jacket standing against a vibrant graffiti wall with 'Social Innovation Challenge' text overlay.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

You're ready to scale your social enterprise activities. Step Up could help you do more of what's already working. 💡 0% interest loans 💡 £5k to £30k 💡 Designed for Scottish social enterprises ready to grow Find out if you're eligible by tapping on the link www.firstport.org.uk/social-inves...

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Throughout 2025-26 we awarded £1.69 million in grant funding. Investing in people, ideas and enterprises that are creating positive change across Scotland's communities. Activate to view larger image,

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

In 2025-26, we helped unlock £1.28 million in social investment. This milestone reflects the growing role we're playing in the UK's social investment ecosystem, helping purpose-led businesses access the finance they need to start, grow and create lasting impact.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Through client-centred support, we build confidence, strengthen knowledge in key business areas, and help entrepreneurs navigate the ecosystem. Combined with grant funding and social investment, this support enables individuals to start, sustain and grow enterprises that create positive change.

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

We are proud to publish our Impact Report this morning as it reflects our commitment to making the journey of social entrepreneurs as effective and accessible as possible. To read about the impact we are making in full, click on this link www.firstport.org.uk/publications... #socialenterprise

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Reposted by Firstport Scotland

Social Investment Scotland @socinvestscot.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Explore more in ‘An entrepreneurs’ guide to social investment’ developed with Social Investment Scotland, Good Finance, and The Ventures Lab. buff.ly/AlGzGMY @firstportscotland.bsky.social @goodfinanceuk.bsky.social #TheVenturesLab

buff.ly

The entrepreneurs’ guide to social investment

<p>A free, practical guide to social investment and revenue-based finance written in plain English.</p>

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Firstport Scotland @firstportscotland.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Ready to RISE is a free training programme designed to support women and non-binary people across Scotland to learn about social enterprise and discover their potential to use entrepreneurship to make a living, work flexibly, and positively impact their communities. 1/2

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