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Stimulating social enterprise in and Bute

In 2014, Firstport delivered Beyond the Vital Spark was delivered in partnership Finish Line, supporting young people with InspirAlba, funded by Highlands and Start-up from the East End of to develop Islands Enterprise, supported by Calmac their social enterprise ideas, regenerate Ferries, Scottish Government and the local high streets and create a social and Kilfinan Trust, with grant funding provided social enterprises economic legacy from the Glasgow 2014 to participants by UnLtd. Commonwealth Games. help our towns, villages Evaluation of the programme found that enterprises developed in a local community, This publication with a supportive structure, had more and cities to be great places potential for sustained growth and impact. celebrates the

This informed Firstport’s decision to deliver achievements of the to work, live, learn Vital Spark in Argyll & Bute, an area with outstanding natural and cultural assets and Vital Spark participants vibrant community spirit, but also facing and provides learning and create. tough challenges, including social and geographical isolation, youth migration and FIRSTPORT STRATEGIC AIM 2 points to inform future an ageing population. initiatives within Argyll & Bute and throughout .

Gordon Allen set up Wee Toon Environmental Solutions after being Being involved in Vital Spark has been A programme that encourages made redundant from Council’s Employability team challenging and exciting. I have been businesses to grow and be self-sufficient to fill the gap in local service provision. He soon secured a council able to take the business idea forward, I am is massively important for Argyll & Bute. I am contract to provide garden maintenance, landscaping, joinery work, much further on than I thought I would be and proud Calmac has supported Vital Spark from customised shed design and build. His enterprise has provided have learned loads. the outset, its success has been astounding. employment and training for people facing barriers to work: improving BRIAN FULTON, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND their confidence, communication, social and life skills. Vital Spark Cover: Gordon Allen, Wee Toon Environmental STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, CALMAC FERRIES LTD provided support in business planning, bookkeeping and fundraising. Solutions Funding from UnLtd and Firstport has enabled Gordon to secure premises and buy a van. He now plans to grow his social enterprise and provide more jobs and services to his local community. The Highlands and Islands is recognised as a region where communities take responsibility for shaping their future, where social enterprise as a sector is innovative, strong and growing. HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE

Vital Spark is an initiative based in Argyll and Vital Spark allowed us to deliver support Bute, delivered by Firstport in partnership in a rural setting, stimulating greater with InspirAlba. Vital Spark supported local awareness of social enterprise, encouraging ideas people in and around , Rothesay and supporting individuals to take them forward and Campbeltown to develop ideas into and creating social and environmental benefits for enterprises and provide practical solutions to the communities involved. Working with Firstport social and economic issues unique to each area. and Unltd also brought a wider perspective and a broader scope of support. In 2015 we engaged with local people from the AILSA CLARK, INSPIRALBA Vital Spark areas, captured their views on the challenges their communities face and invited them to come up with enterprising solutions to Vital Spark was a new and novel way to those challenges. Over the past three years we stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation have stimulated and supported the best ideas in our rural communities, creating employment with 18 viable early stage social enterprises now opportunities by using business models to creating change and making a tangible difference address social issues. to their local communities. Many participants ANNE MACDONALD, HEAD OF POLICY AND were at a pre-start stage initially – they didn’t STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES, HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE know they had a business idea and wouldn’t have taken steps to access support on their own.

InspirAlba played a key role in the development and delivery of Vital Spark. Their local research and needs analysis identified a lack of awareness Vital Spark did of potential opportunities through social enterprise. They provided tailored business what it said on the tin, support to participants across the three areas as well as their unique understanding and it sparked me to knowledge that informed ongoing programme evaluation and development. move forward. DAVID FEE, HOMESONG Lighting the Spark Vital Spark set up incubator spaces in each community which were used for drop in, learning, meeting, making and experimentation.

These hubs enabled participants OUR LEARNING: to test their ideas, showcase their • Place-based programmes require • Incubator spaces are an important Keeping It Local Campbeltown products and services, and build rigorous ‘intelligence gathering’ and resource. Having a physical space Jason McCallum has first hand experience Jason received an UnLtd Start Up award collaborative relationships. They planning in partnership with local visible to the local community can of the difficulties traders face when trying and has now progressed further through provided a physical location where providers and local people help participants to see themselves to promote and grow their businesses. He is Firstport funding to offer additional spaces they could go to work on their • Programme objectives must align as social entrepreneurs and also aware that local people struggle to find including a workshop area for product testing enterprise, engage with Vital Spark with each partner’s vision and legitimise their ideas reliable quality trade services. This spurred and delivery. Jason’s service will extend to staff and unlock their potential as purpose and contribute to local and • These benefits could be delivered him on to open Keep It Local Campbeltown, a negotiation of fair leases for local start-ups social entrepreneurs. national priorities more cost effectively by sharing one stop shop for businesses and customers, when they are ready to commit to their own • We found a ‘multi-layered delivery with other complementary local enabling local start-ups to test the market premises. Over the next five years Jason Complementing this model and approach’ captured both national initiatives to maximise usage and without the financial and logistical would like to replicate his enterprise in other Firstport and InspirAlba’s support, and local resources, perspectives, connect developing enterprises with constraints of finding their own premises. His rural towns. funding from Unltd provided the knowledge and experience the wider community enterprise offers people from around Without the Vital Spark programme final crucial component, enabling • This resulted in new resources being • Seed funding needs to be support to hot-desk and advertise their Keeping It Local would never be in the the Vital Spark participants to set leveraged to meet local needs in sympathetic to the early stage business on screens and on line. position it is in today - hopefully it will be a great sail on their journey. Argyll and Bute nature of participants’ ideas and community asset. • This approach reaches people flexible enough to respond to who may not see themselves as inevitable changes in funding having a business idea, stimulates requirements social enterprise activity in local Takeaway Creative communities and helps build local Takeway Creative is a portable hobby Vital Spark helped me with networks and national connections service offering innovative activities in and ideas to bring my idea to market in a • InspirAlba’s local knowledge was private homes and care homes. The idea good way, supported by a team of approachable invaluable in the development, came from founder Fiona Page’s personal and friendly folk. design and delivery of the experience as a carer unable to find quality programme while UnLtd provided home-based activities for her housebound grant funding to test very early mum. Takeaway Creative fills this gap and stage ideas reduces isolation and loneliness. Fiona • This partnership approach employs expert practitioners with strong developed early stage ideas into social skills to communicate with a diverse social enterprises, creating a pipeline customer base including carers, busy of previously untapped talent, which parents, people with long-term health in turn informed UnLtd’s decision conditions and the elderly. to deliver Resilient Communities in Argyll & Bute The Journey

Vital Spark stimulated interest in In response to these challenges, InspirAlba coordinated three Firstport provided opportunities for participants to go on ‘learning social enterprise to address local Argyll wide social enterprise events, giving Vital Spark participants journeys’ using our Scotland wide network of social enterprises. issues and allowed participants the opportunity to build connections with a broad, well established This enabled them to connect with, meet and learn from other social to fulfil ambitions they previously network of social enterprises across the area. They also entrepreneurs and jointly share knowledge and experiences. A 34 ideas considered unachievable. Developing provided links to other partners, including the Social Enterprise programme wide learning journey brought Vital Spark participants the confidence, skills, knowledge, Academy, Business Gateway, Highlands and Islands Enterprise together with participants from other rural place-based supported resilience and networks required to and Community Broadband Scotland, increasing participants’ programmes to network, receive resilience training, meet funders start up and develop a viable business awareness of support available. and experience models of good practice. was recognised as a key challenge for 18 our emerging entrepreneurs. enterprises setting sail ABOARD ABOARD

OUR LEARNING • Place-based programmes stimulate very early stage, pre-start ideas COM L E • Time spent on ‘idea development’ E is hugely valuable and helps W participants build confidence and talk about their idea A • Traditional business support is B D more effective after this OA R • Peer to peer support and opportunities to network are important in helping participants develop and refine their ideas • This flexible approach to personal and business support is invaluable in allowing people Come on board Setting sail Navigating a way forward Land ahoy! to progress at their own pace, Application & Selection Ideas Development Business Development & Implementation Connections work around other commitments, Local promotion 3 local hubs Showcasing Test Trading Networking reflect on what they’re doing and Information sessions Over 1000 1-1 sessions Trading Premises Resilience Training arrive at a positive destination at Application process Over 30 group sessions Incorporation Staffing & Volunteers Stakeholder Engagement a time that’s right for them. 34 people selected £73k in Start Up Funding Service Delivery Towards a Turnover

The Ripple Effect Making Waves Innovation and risk Supporting participants to develop a social enterprise often starts Vital Spark successfully raised the profile of social Targets for the programme were ambitious, although with building confidence. Many doubted their idea was good enough or enterprise as a way of doing business. It helped both economic benefit has been created with some of the taking can flourish didn’t see themselves with the skills or experience to run a business. participants and the wider community to understand enterprises creating new employment opportunities in an environment of what it means and the positive impact it can have. The and generating turnover. Vital Spark set people on their trust and support. For Vital Spark provided participants with time, space and people to programme evaluation recognised the important role journey, but they still have some way to go. discuss their ideas with, learn from and share both successes and Vital Spark played in filling a gap in provision of early some people, these are failures. Access to professional staff and other participants through stage support to social enterprise development within Further economic impacts are expected in due course. It takes time and a mixture of 1:1 meetings, peer to peer support, workshops and Argyll & Bute, taking participants from an idea to trading. ongoing support to develop into an established social enterprise and it is the vital ingredients important to be realistic, especially within a challenging rural context. networking created a supportive structure that enabled participants It also acknowledged the challenges in translating ideas The value of these impacts in rural communities should not that will unleash their to build confidence, develop skills and take the lead. into social businesses and the importance of ensuring be underestimated. entrepreneurial spirit that the social issues being addressed were relevant to Participants faced a range of personal and life challenges unrelated to the local areas. and confidence. their enterprise and were helped with these through the programme. It was this holistic and tailored approach to support that allowed each Creating a more successful country, participant to achieve key milestones and keep moving forward at a with opportunities for all of pace right for them. £ Scotland to flourish, through increasing £ sustainable economic growth. SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT REGENERATION STRATEGY ZPL Mobility Based in Dunoon, Craig Peden and his partner are developing 18 8 12 6 ZPL Mobility, a ‘one stop shop’ for people with mobility needs in early stage enterprises have are actively have taken on premises the Cowal area. There are scooters lying unused in garages and are active and developing incorporated trading/test trading across the 3 locations gardens across the country, destined for landfill. ZPL Mobility maintains, repairs and refurbishes second-hand mobility scooters for sale or hire to locals and tourists at affordable prices. They are developing bespoke adaptations to make fit for purpose mobility scooters that also look good and have a Total of unique appearance. In 2017 ZPL Mobility received Firstport Start It funding to progress the business. Future ambitions include £125,240 12 of grant funding donating used scooters to a charity in South Africa. new employment and volunteering opportunities awarded since 2014 have been created, 5 of these in partnership with (Unltd and Social Entrepreneurs Fund) The social enterprise ethos fits with our business goals. Our a local organisation focus is on delivering a welcoming and high quality service available to everyone. Disability is about diversity, not disadvantage. We want to help people enjoy a life without limits. Creating a long term legacy from Vital Spark

The important contribution social enterprise makes Triple Aspect Puppet Company Social enterprise and young people Continuing the hub based approach to the rural economy Alison Clark has produced numerous Using Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, InspirAlba In Rothesay, the Bute Island Alliance is opening a • Enterprise and social enterprise is a vital player in the rural puppetry productions on the island of Bute will promote social enterprise as a possible career option community hub space, based on the Vital Spark model, economy. Rural areas in Scotland account for 34% of Scotland’s and throughout Scotland. Her work often and a viable way of doing business through an Argyll wide to help local people and business to flourish. Vital social enterprises with only 18% of the population.1 focuses on Celtic legends and themes, film project. Young film makers will portray inspiring Spark participants will be able to access and operate • In Argyll and Bute specifically, £87.3 million is generated for Argyll’s appealing to visitors as well as the local stories of life and work as a social entrepreneur in Argyll their enterprises from it. The hub is part of the Bute economy by social enterprise. This is a significant economic community. Vital Spark has enabled Alison to whilst gaining valuable work experience and training. Island Alliance’s wider regeneration strategy for the contribution to the rural economy.2 open up her own workshop space to deliver Small start-up grants of £500 will be available from island and will ensure participants are engaged in other • The social benefit is even more significant with 70% of social puppet making workshops for all ages and Firstport to any young person inspired by the experience opportunities and initiatives in the area. enterprises in Argyll and Bute indicating there is no alternative showcase her creations and to buy equipment and looking to test out an idea of their own. provider of their services and many are delivering essential services to take her shows on tour. In 2017 she was Resilient Communities 2017–2022 which ensure rural communities can survive and thrive. awarded a Lloyds Bank of Scotland Social Digital tools to support rural social enterprise UnLtd’s Resilient Communities initiative will continue Entrepreneurs Start Up Award and she has There is scope to consider how improved Information to stimulate and support social enterprise over the next OUR LEARNING now taken on an apprentice. Communication Technology (ICT) and innovation can five years. • Confidence and resilience is key to getting started – and to keeping support new and existing rural social enterprises to going. Being part of the programme connect, integrate and cooperate better to deliver UnLtd was delighted to be a Vital Spark partner • A holistic approach to support, taking into account the individual, takes things to another level and sustainable community services. Logistical challenges helping to support and stimulate new social their idea and their personal circumstances is vital. you start thinking in a bigger way. faced by entrepreneurs in rural communities require a more enterprises in Argyll & Bute. We will build on this through our • This can be time consuming and may require other agency advanced and digital solution. InspirAlba are leading on the Resilient Communities work over the next 5 years, working involvement. development and delivery of pilot activity in this area. with InspirAlba to support many more social entrepreneurs • Traditional business support is most effective when balanced with to build strong sustainable communities. peer to peer learning and networking. THOMAS MCALISTER, SCOTLAND MANAGER, UNLTD • Targets were ambitious and delivering economic impact takes time. Of equal importance are the social and environmental impacts which shouldn’t be over looked. • It is important to be realistic about what can be 3B Design Studio achieved with participants at a very early stage and in a Vital Spark kept me going Paul Russell is using his skills and background in graphic specific period of time. Connections should be made in the right direction to design to develop 3B Design Studio, specialising in to ensure they can access longer term support beyond get my business off the ground. providing training and employment opportunities to local the lifespan of the programme. It was also a huge help to students, giving young people in Campbeltown a way to be able to brainstorm develop their skills and find employment in their home and bounce ideas off the town. Paul also aims to donate electronic arts materials other participants in the and equipment and provide training to schools. The aim programme. is to teach young people the link between digital arts and 1 Social Enterprise Census 2017 Report, Sept 2017 traditional arts and spark an interest in more modern 2 Social Enterprise in Argyll and Bute Report, digital techniques, giving them a platform to take their November 2017 skills into a wider field ranging from animation to digital design and special effects. Oil for the Engine: We have profiled some of our Vital Spark enterprises in this publication. The others are listed below. practical considerations for future programmes Ali McCrossan Dabbles Homesong Ali is developing an enterprise that aims to Gillie Banks runs tapestry and weaving David Fee organises gigs in people’s • The key to a successful place based programme is the • A social media platform such as Facebook should be provide access to skills building to enable workshops for children, adults and homes in Argyll & Bute. This provides blend of national resources, support and networks with introduced at the early stages, taking into account local people to feel empowered and people with dementia on Bute and in accessible opportunities for artists and local knowledge, experience and expertise. Setting digital infrastructure and accessibility. This ensures equipped to deal with community issues. Cowal supporting the health, wellbeing, audiences to come together in isolated realistic targets and outcomes based on shared aims participants have access to local and national events She is designing a training pack that can culture and tourism sectors, providing areas while supporting community and and priorities creates the best environment for impact and opportunities to inform their development be delivered throughout Argyll & Bute. skills development and keeping Scottish cultural cohesion. • Planning and delivery should be informed by and • Introducing participants to other support organisations traditions alive. tailored to the environmental and socio-economic and into other networks through the duration of Brandane Cheese Inspired by Autism conditions of the local community programme ensures they are well connected and know Alan Peacock is developing a Brandane Diamond Quadrant Trust Dunoon based Duncan MacGillivray • Social enterprise ideas exist in our communities, but where to access support in the longer term Cheese for Bute and further afield. He Agnes Harvey is in the early stages of provides training, support services and need to be stimulated and encouraged. This is achieved plans to link it with the island’s cultural developing an enterprise that supports small grants for people with Autistic by raising awareness of what social enterprise is, heritage and support tourism as well as people to design and achieve the lifestyle Spectrum Condition (ASC) and their promoting it as a way of doing business, and profiling it providing a high quality cheese. they want, through bespoke support families and carers and professionals as a viable employment opportunity programmes focused on empowerment in the field. Using his experience in the • A balanced approach to recruitment is important to Clean Team and building a life of personal choice. care sector and as a parent living with allow for inevitable drop off. Participants should be Fiona Lavery is delivering a cleaning ASC, Duncan also provides advocacy for clear on the time and effort required to take part in business in small villages in Kintyre Fancy Drawers families at care reviews, school meetings advance of applying. The programme design should be centred around local community needs Catherine Wilson has created a space for and benefits tribunals. able to respond to participants’ other commitments including window cleaning, wheelie the creation of high end bespoke items • Some participants focus more attention on the ‘doing’ bins, patios, garden furniture, roofs and as part of her furniture and homewares Kintyre Cultural Connections than the learning. The provision of action-based gutters. She is particularly interested in upcycling enterprise that supports local Pamela Galbraith aims to rejuvenate the learning is essential in keeping people focused and supporting vulnerable people. environmental and social initiatives. A ceilidh and heritage culture in Kintyre and ensuring progress within a specific time frame key aim is to share her skills and enable further afield by giving people of all ages • A flexible programme of support is required to meet Cowal Play Therapy Service individuals within the community to work from diverse communities opportunities participants diverse needs; programme staff need to Rebecca Blanco’s vision is to set up a on their own upcycling projects. to share cultural experiences through have a range of skills and experiences to manage and school and nursery based Play Therapy music, food and the arts. Pamela has support effectively service with referrals from schools, Greenfry secured start up funding and already • Ideas development takes time but is valuable. It is nurseries, clinical psychologists and Liz Adam’s project focuses on providing established links with local Polish, Italian during this process that participants build confidence, other bodies including Children and tasty, healthy and affordable food, and Bangladeshi communities. resilience and skills. Other basic training such as Family Social Work teams. She aims to including a micro-bakery, event IT skills may be necessary and should be delivered offer a child centred, non threatening catering, community cookery school and KytKat through collaboration with other organisations to counselling/therapeutic service to workshops to teach sustainable food Chris Annetts works with young people ensure participants are able to fully embark on the children who are unable to verbalise growing and healthy cooking to adults and in Campbeltown on theatre, film and programme their feelings. healthy eating to children. Liz initiated her multi-arts projects. He is developing enterprise on Bute and is now currently opportunities to work with local schools developing it further afield. and support local volunteer opportunities with a specific focus on drama.

More information at www.firstport.org.uk/vital-spark W

www.firstport.org.uk [email protected] • 0131 558 2724

We would like to thank our funders and partners for their support:

KILFINAN TRUST

Registered in Scotland • Company Registration No. SC312802 • Charity No. SCO37942