Community Enterprise Fund
Funding
Up to £5,000
Deadline
Check with the funder
Location
Scotland
Applications
Rolling applications
Overview
Firstport gives community groups in Scotland up to £5,000 to start trading or launch a social enterprise. It covers start-up costs like legal fees, rent, branding and equipment, but not existing activities. Apply any time through the Firstport portal. Official source: https://www.firstport.org.uk/funding/community-enterprise-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Up to £5,000 over twelve months.
- Scotland only.
- Not yet trading regularly.
- Constituted groups only.
Constituted third sector or community groups based in Scotland, with a bank account in the group name, that are not yet trading regularly and plan an asset-locked social enterprise. Not for political campaigning or religion.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Community groups in Scotland starting a social enterprise.
Regions
Full details from Firstport
Firstport's Community Enterprise Fund helps community organisations in Scotland start trading or set up a social enterprise, with grants of up to £5,000 spent over twelve months. Funding comes from the Scottish Government's Social Entrepreneurs Fund. It can pay for most start-up costs, such as legal fees for setting up the enterprise, rent, venue hire, utilities, branding, marketing, insurance, accountancy and equipment. It cannot fund existing activities, repairs or property improvements. Applications are assessed on their potential for income and social impact, followed by an informal call within two to four weeks.
Create an account in the Firstport application portal from the Apply Now button on the Community Enterprise Fund page. You can also book a free 15 minute chat first.
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Create free accountLast updated: 22 October 2026