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Firstport encourages social enterprises to get applications ready for April deadline
Firstport encourages early‑stage social enterprises to get application materials ready ahead of the April deadline for up to £40,000 in growth support.
Social enterprises across Scotland are being encouraged to begin preparing their applications for Firstport’s Build It fund, with the next deadline set for noon on Thursday 2 April 2026.
The programme offers up to £40,000 in grant support to help early‑stage social enterprises create new salaried roles that strengthen long‑term financial sustainability.
Build It is designed for social enterprises that have already begun trading and can demonstrate both income generation and measurable social impact. Funding is specifically aimed at supporting salary costs for new posts that will help organisations grow their income, reduce reliance on grants and deepen their social impact over a 12‑month period.
Applying to Build It requires several key documents, including:
- A full application form
- A business plan
- A pitch document
- Cash‑flow projections using Firstport’s required template
Because the assessment process is competitive and detailed, Firstport strongly advises applicants to start preparing well in advance. Shortlisted applicants will also be invited to pitch to an independent panel in late May, making early preparation essential.
Firstport also encourages prospective applicants to make use of free business support through Just Enterprise, as well as Build It Office Hours sessions, which offer guidance on eligibility, application quality and updated funding criteria.
Eligibility
To be eligible, social enterprises must:
- Be registered and operating primarily for the benefit of people or communities in Scotland
- Have been trading for three years or less
- Demonstrate a track record of income generation and social impact
- Have an asset‑locked constitution and a board of directors
- Request salaries paid at least at the Real Living Wage
With the April deadline approaching, social enterprises are encouraged to start gathering documents, refining business plans and reviewing eligibility criteria now to give themselves the strongest chance of success.
Full details and application guidance are available at Firstport.org.uk
