We hope you’re all enjoying some spring sunshine today! Take a moment to have a read through our latest news, including updates on funding and other opportunities:
Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers: This fund will re-open to both new and previous applicants from tomorrow at 2pm. Creative freelancers working in Scotland who are experiencing immediate financial hardship due to loss of income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic can apply for up to £2,000 via the online portal. The fund will close at 2pm on Tuesday 22 March 2021. Find out more here.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator Q1 2021: Conducted in partnership with Strathclyde University's Fraser of Allander Institute, this is Scotland's longest running business survey of its kind and regularly provides an accurate and authoritative picture of the health of the Scottish economy and the issues facing businesses across various sectors. Take the survey for the first quarter of 2021 here.
Third Sector Awards 2021: The Third Sector Awards provide an opportunity for voluntary organisations of all sizes, and the people who work for them, to celebrate their work and the real difference they make to society. After the extraordinary events of the Covid-19 pandemic, this has never been so important. Enter here.
Tour Guides Fund: This fund, which will provide essential support for tour guides under severe financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, will open for applications from 12pm on 3 March. In the meantime, guidance has been published to allow you to check eligibility criteria and submission instructions. Find out more here.
Rural SEN Community Learning Exchanges: The Rural SEN is hosting series of virtual Community Learning Exchanges (CLEs) during March. They begin on 9 March - with ‘Involving Young People in Rural Social Enterprise’, hosted by Inspiralba; On March 16 the theme will be ‘Digital Engagement’, hosted by Kirsty MacCormick of Cothrom; and the final session on March 23 will be on ‘E-commerce’ hosted by Rhoda Meek of isle20. All themes have been identified by Rural SEN members as key to their future development.
The Circular Economy Investment Fund: This is a funding opportunity for businesses and organisations in Scotland working in business and social economic sectors. They are looking for innovative projects that have the ability to deliver carbon savings, leverage investment and create jobs. Read more here.
Scottish Rural Parliament - Youth Session:This year the Scottish Rural Parliament will be kicking off with a session specifically for 16-25 year olds, facilitated by the Social Enterprise Academy. The outputs of the session will also influence other sessions during the SRP and contribute to the Manifesto for Rural Scotland. To attend the youth session, register here for the free 2021 Scottish Rural Parliament and make sure to select the Youth Session during registration.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the GrowBiz virtual stand!
Women in the Rural Economy Training Fund: Alongside the Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund, this fund has been created to give women in Rural Scotland more opportunities for land-based and aquaculture training. Open to any woman resident in Scotland who is either already working in or studying in the sector, full-time or part-time, or who is keen to start work in this area, who can demonstrate how the training course will support the development of their business or employment options. Find out more here.