A total of £75,000 has been awarded to four outstanding Scottish social enterprises whose work supports the Scottish Government’s priority of Growing the Economy. The grants, ranging from £5,000 to £25,000, will help fund initiatives that expand access to employment, nurture untapped talent, and create more inclusive opportunities across the country.

Each of these projects demonstrates the power of targeted support for social enterprises that unlock talent, tackle inequality, and build a more inclusive economy.

Allia C&C said it is proud to partner with organisations that are not just changing lives, but also helping to shape a stronger, more vibrant Scotland for all:

• Braw Talent - Mentoring young people facing barriers, helping them develop creative skills and access opportunities in Scotland’s creative industries.
• Eildon Housing Association and Cyrenians – Expansion of the FareShare Employability Project into the Borders, tackling food poverty and creating routes into sustainable jobs.
• Blackwood Homes and Care and Career Ready – Offering internships that inspire young people to build meaningful careers in social care and housing.
• Invisible Cities - Launching a new Galashiels town tour led by people with lived experience of homelessness, offering visitors a unique perspective while empowering local guides through training and employment.

On visiting Braw Talent in Glasgow, Peter Freer, director, Debt Capital Markets and head of Allia C&C’s Scottish office, said: “At Allia C&C, we see investing in social enterprises as a way to generate both social impact and lasting economic value.

“Through our Social Impact Grant Programme, we are helping organisations unlock talent, create employment pathways, and support inclusive growth - investing in people and projects that strengthen communities and build a more resilient, vibrant Scotland. I’m so impressed by how Braw Talent gives creative young people the confidence to pursue their dream jobs.”

Darren Osborne, founding director of Braw Talent, added: ”The creative industries in Scotland are thriving and need the talent we can unlock by championing those traditionally underrepresented in the sector. The grant will fund the first year of our new annual programme for a dozen youngsters, giving them the achievements and recognition needed to launch their creative careers.”

Allia C&C recently celebrated reaching the milestone of over £500 million of Scottish Government investment in its charitable bonds since 2014. Through this highly successful partnership, the Charitable Bond programme has proven to be a highly effective tool for financing social housing while generating essential grant funding for grassroots social enterprises that support the Scottish Government’s priority of growing the economy.