Start It Scotland award

A Start It Scotland award is designed to help new social entrepreneurs pay for start-up costs.

These costs can vary, but typical examples include: 

• Legal fees for incorporation and/or registration as a charity or community interest company 
• Rent (if premises have been identified) 
• Website, branding, logo design and marketing materials 
• Insurance and accountancy services 
• Equipment 

Eligibility requirements

Applications must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• The applicant is aged 16 or over
• The applicant is a permanent resident of Scotland
• The enterprise operates primarily for the benefit of people or communities within Scotland
• The enterprise and its activities do not involve political campaigning or the advancement of religion
• The enterprise is an independent organisation and not the project or subsidiary of an existing body
• The enterprise aims to provide direct social impact to individuals, communities and/or the environment
• The enterprise is in the early stages of development – that is, in the idea or start-up phase – and has not begun trading on a regular basis
• The idea does not form part of the applicant’s current employment
• If the enterprise requires premises to start trading, the applicant must have identified a property and be able to confirm an agreement in principle