Firstport - Step Up loans

Details

Step Up is a repayable funding programme for social enterprises based in Scotland that require financial support to strengthen and sustain trading.

The fund is specifically aimed at social enterprises that want to repeat or scale ideas that have previously delivered revenue growth for their business.

Step Up provides awards through a 0% interest loan. Please see the fund guidance document for more information.

Funding can be used for:

• purchasing more stock or equipment
• running marketing campaigns
• hiring a venue for an event or course
• purchasing capital items e.g. vehicles
• hiring/training staff

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: Scotland

Fund type

Type of funding:

Loan

Type of cost:

Capital, Revenue

Fund award sizes

Minimum:

Premium information

Maximum:

Premium information

Notes on award amounts:

Premium information

Who can apply

Social enterprises with:

• a registered office in Scotland
• operating primarily for the benefit of people or communities in Scotland
• an asset-locked constitution and registration with Companies House, OSCR, or the Mutual Public Register
• a business bank account in the name of the social enterprise
• a board of at least two directors (or at least three trustees for a SCIO), of whom no more than half are connected persons and no more than half are employed by the enterprise
• evidence of successful trading and the potential to become financially sustainable
• evidence of the direct, measurable social or environmental impact it has delivered
• adherence to the Scottish Government Fair Work policy, including paying the Real Living Wage and providing effective channels for workers' voice

For loans over the £10,000 threshold, the enterprise must either be less than six years old since incorporation as an asset-locked body, or be of any age and have earned less than £25,000 in trading revenue (excluding grants and donations) in each of the last three full financial years. Where the enterprise is part of a group structure, the criteria apply to all entities in the group.

See full eligibility criteria on the funder's website.

When to apply

Apply at any time.

Step Up will be closed between 15th and 31st December every year and no decisions will be taken in this period, but you can still apply.

How to apply

Complete an online application form along with supporting documents (see fund guidance).

You will hear about the outcome within 3 weeks.

Contact information

Exclusions

Premium information

Activites funded: General charitable activities Organisational development and capacity building

Beneficiaries funded: Voluntary sector organisations

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Last reviewed about 11 hours ago