Aspire to Enterprise is a programme providing a range of Business Support Services to ambitious, developing social enterprises in Lowland Scotland.

The programme is open and will accept applications from organisations who meet the following eligibility criteria:
• The government criteria for social enterprise
• Are already trading
• Have a minimum total turnover of £60K per annum and an upper limit of approx £800k
• Can benefit from tailored development assistance prior to accessing mainstream support

The programme offers access to development support to organisations with the drive and potential to increase their trading and become more sustainable social enterprises. It aims to help social enterprises gain the enterprise skills they need to become sustainable businesses and acts as a pipeline for social enterprises to access mainstream business development support offered by Business Gateway.

Social enterprises successful in accessing the programme will receive a business health check and a tailored programme of support to develop their trading capacity. Support will cover:
• Business planning
• Financial planning
• Market research and marketing
• Investment readiness and raising finance
• Legal support

Alternatively, aspiring social enterprises can benefit from a range of seminars designed to stimulate entrepreneurial activity for future development.

Applications for support can be made via the website www.aspiretoenterprise.org.uk or by calling John Hughes, Project Development Manager on 0141 425 2939 or by email to info@aspiretoenterprise.org.uk