Firstport’s Social Innovation Competition 2017 is now open for applications.

The competition is looking for innovative business solutions tackling the most pressing social and environmental issues facing Scotland today, focusing on culture, heritage and tourism.

The Social Innovation Competition is delivered by Firstport on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Ideas should offer new solutions to a social need, or address a need more effectively than what already exists. Applicants must also demonstrate that their idea will lead to a better use of assets and resources, as well as new relationships amongst sectors and society.

There are 3 awards categories (including the Young Social Innovator category, for those under 30 years old). The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the Scottish Parliament in November and receive £5000 each, alongside tailored business support from Firstport.

There will also be drop-in sessions for those who wish to discuss their ideas on the following dates:

Friday 25^th August, 1:30pm – 4pm at the Impact Hub Inverness, 67A Castle Street, Inverness, IV2 3DU
Monday 11^th September, 10am – 1pm at Firstport, Glenorchy House, 20 Union Street, Suite 4, Edinburgh, EH1 3LR
Wednesday 13^th September, 10am – 1pm at Firstport, The Tobacco Merchant’s House, 42 Miller Street, Glasgow, G1 1DT

In addition, there will be an evening of social innovation in Perth, 5:30pm – 8pm on Wednesday 13^th September, where attendees can find out more about the competition and network with other innovative social entrepreneurs.

To book your place at the evening event, please visit the Eventbrite page before 9am on Monday 11^th September.

The deadline for applications to the Social Innovation Competition 2017 is Monday 9^th October.

To apply, of for further information, please visit the Firstport website.