Business boost

Nov 30 2012 by Amanda Graham, Lennox Herald

A £225k investment in social enterprise businesses, which will help boost the local economy by creating sustainable jobs, has been unveiled.

The social enterprise challenge fund was announced by Council Leader Martin Rooney at West Dunbartonshire’s first ever Social Enterprise Business event.

Social enterprises are businesses which exist to address social or environmental needs, rather than having the sole aim of maximising profits.

Examples of these in this area include Solas and Alternatives.

The new fund will support the creation of social enterprises by providing financial support of up to £15,000 to new social enterprises who have the ability to create sustainable local job opportunities. It will be formally launched in January 2013.

Applications for the Social Enterprise Challenge should be from local individuals or groups proposing to operate in West Dunbartonshire.