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Programme will support existing and encourage new social enterprises
By Astrid Zweynert
GLASGOW (TrustLaw)--Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond on Tuesday announced a programme to encourage new international social enterprises to be based in Scotland.
Speaking at the Social Enterprise Exchange in Glasgow, Salmond said that the programme will include a headquarters grant, a commitment from ministers to advocate for the organisation and access to other types of support, such as from enterprise agencies.
Such a move was "enlightened self-interest", he said.
"We have a strong and valued social enterprise sector here – one which the public sector is determined to support," Salmond told delegates at the conference.
Social enterprises will grow in importance over the next few years, especially in the delivery of public services, Salmond said.
Scotland last July announced government-backed programmes worth a combined total of 7 million pounds. The government said it would commit 4 million pounds to the Enterprise Growth Fund and a further 3 million pounds to a programme for advice and mentoring, specially aimed at third-sector, or non-profit, ventures.
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