The Challenges Group and Firstport have announced a new programme of support for pre-start up women social entrepreneurs: Ready to RISE.

Building on the 2023/24 pilot programme, and funded by Pathways funding from Scottish Government, Ready to RISE is aimed at women in Scotland who:

have an early-stage idea to start an organisation with a social or environmental purpose (like a social enterprise or charity) but aren’t sure where to start
can see a problem that needs fixing in society or their local community but aren’t sure how to encourage people to help
think starting an impact-driven business is the way to achieve the (work)life blend and purpose they seek

Ready To RISE brings together the The Challenges Group’s experience in addressing women’s meaningful participation in the labour market, and Firstport, Scotland’s agency for start-up social entrepreneurs and social enterprise, in a new partnership.

To support this process, there will be Information Roadshows available to allow individuals to learn more about social enterprise, Ready to Rise and hear from local women who are using entrepreneurship to make a living and make a difference in their communities:

Perth: Monday 13 January, 10am-12pm.

Fife: Wednesday 15 January, 10am-12pm.

Stirling: Monday 20 January, 10am-12pm.

Dunbar: Tuesday 21 January, 10am-12pm.

If you can’t make an in-person event, they are also hosting two online events:

Social Entrepreneur Panel Event, Friday 17 January, 10am-11.30am.

Information Session and Q&A, Wednesday 22 January, 10am-11.15am.

Expressions of interest can be submitted now via the online form, with applications opening in early 2025.

For further information, please visit the Making Work Work website (linked for your convenience).