Details

Community ENABLE Funding supports micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), including Limited Companies, Sole Traders or Partnerships that may struggle to secure finance from traditional lenders, helping them access the investment they need to grow, create jobs and strengthen their communities.

The fund is aimed at viable businesses that:

• Have been unable to access mainstream lending
• Are looking to grow, invest or improve resilience
• Are based in the following pilot areas within underserved communities across Scotland (until December 2026), including Glasgow City, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, and Argyll and Bute (within eligible postcode areas).

Businesses may be able to use funding for:

• Expansion and growth: Supporting businesses to grow operations, increase capacity, enter new markets or launch new products and services.
• New premises or fit-out: Helping businesses secure, renovate or fit out commercial premises to support growth and improve customer experience.
• Equipment and stock: Providing funding for essential equipment, tools, technology or stock needed to strengthen and scale the business.
• Recruitment and job creation: Supporting businesses to create new jobs, grow teams and invest in skills and workforce development.
• Working capital: Helping businesses manage day-to-day cash flow, improve resilience and invest confidently in future growth.

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Glasgow Inverclyde West Dunbartonshire Argyll and Bute

Fund type

Type of funding:

Loan

Type of cost:

Capital, Revenue, Core costs

Fund award sizes

Notes on award amounts:

Premium information

Who can apply

Micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) based in the following pilot areas within underserved communities across Scotland (until December 2026), including Glasgow City, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, and Argyll and Bute (within eligible postcode areas).

Following the pilot period, it is hoped the fund will become available to eligible postcode areas Scotland-wide.

Maximum annual income:

£45,000,000

When to apply

CEF will open for applications during September 2026.

How to apply

Register your interest by emailing [email protected], and SIS will notify you when the fund opens for applications.

Contact information

Exclusions

Premium information

Activites funded: General charitable activities Organisational development and capacity building

Beneficiaries funded: General public Voluntary sector organisations

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Last reviewed about 18 hours ago