The One to Watch category is sponsored by Big Issue Invest and Power Up Scotland partners including Aberdeen Standard Investments, Brodies and The University of Edinburgh.
The Power Up Scotland Programme develops early stage social businesses through investment, business support and cross-sector partnerships.
Power Up is open to organisations across Scotland and has made £750,000 available to lend over the next two years. The funding available is 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 will also receive mentoring and business development support to social ventures for the two year period.
Shortlisted Organisations
Caledonia Cremation is Scotland’s first and only social enterprise funeral directors.
Caledonia Cremation seeks to promote equality by providing the same simple but flexible funeral – for anyone rich or poor, anywhere in Scotland. Their mission is to tackle this huge but little recognised cause of poverty. Dignified funerals don’t have to cost your life savings; showing your love shouldn’t mean living on the bread line.
Fearless Femme is nonprofit mental health project, online magazine and creative community that’s trying to do something a bit different. They are here to empower feminists of all genders to overcome stress, anxiety and all the challenges that life throws at them. And unlike fashion and beauty magazines, which often make readers feel worse about their bodies, Fearless Femme will celebrate the innate strengths of young people. It will focus on issues such as how to boost one’s self-esteem, tackle anxiety and depression, develop a positive body image, and manage academic, financial and work pressures.
Hey Girls CIC is new Scottish social enterprise that retails sustainable biodegradable natural bamboo and cornstarch pads, which are Chlorine and Dioxin Bleach free on a Buy One and Give One model. It provides free sanitary pads and educational resources with the aim of assisting girls and young women everywhere in the UK to manage menstruation in a way that reduces stigma and doesn’t put them at risk of infections.
Invisible Cities trains people who have been affected by homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city. They partner with homelessness charity Crisis to deliver training on public speaking, self confidence, customer service and first aid. They also match our guides with a professional tour guide, to help them build up a tour and deliver it.
Quay Community Improvements CIC
Quay Community Improvements has been set up by Port of Leith Housing Association as a wholly owned Community Interest Company limited by shares and launched in October 2016. The new social enterprise begun with stair and office cleaning services in Leith and north Edinburgh. The company is founded on the principle that profits generated through a range of commercial activities will be ploughed back into physical, social and economic regeneration opportunities in Leith and surrounding areas.