Today, (Friday 8th April) Big Issue Invest (BII) announced that it has been able to provide four social ventures with £200,000 of investment.
The social ventures were chosen as part of this year’s Big Issue Invest programme Power Up Scotland lending scheme that offers investment, advice and support to early-stage social ventures across Scotland.
The four social ventures which have all received funding from the Big Issue Invest scheme are: Ayrshire Women’s Hub, Brave Strong Beautiful, National Support Network and Wee Seeds.
Big Issue Invest’s Power Up programme, launched in 2017, was opened to organisations across Scotland from October to January this year.
The funding scheme aims to enable organisations to build on the good work they currently do within their communities. Whether it’s buying equipment, hiring new talent, or progressing with business development plans. Successful applicants receive mentoring and business development support to social ventures for the two-year period.
The programme is funded by partners, abrdn, University of Edinburgh, Experian, Places for People and the Scottish Government with legal support from Brodies LLP.