The Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) funds and supports innovators to kick-start solutions that tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. The programme is centred around a theme each year. Building on the legacy of COP26, the 2022 theme is: innovative solutions to climate change issues faced by rural communities in Scotland.
Addressing climate change and achieving net zero are big challenges of our time but we know that social innovations can transform the way we live. By putting an incentive behind a clear theme, the Social Innovation Challenge hopes to encourage social entrepreneurs and innovators to focus their efforts and rise to the challenge. The programme looks for solutions that demonstrate:
- Innovation
- A clear link to the theme
- Potential for income generation and social impact
- Evidence of community engagement and participation
It will award up to £50,000 in grant funding to support the development of new social enterprise solutions, as well as tailored support to launch and implement the solution. The Social Innovation Challenge was redesigned with input from a range of support providers and entrepreneurs with experience in rural enterprise, innovation and environmental sustainability. The programme is delivered by Firstport on behalf of the Scottish Government.
The Social Innovation Challenge will welcome applications from individuals, existing social enterprises and new collaborations. A programme of support will run for the entire application period, with potential applicants being able to join tailored information webinars or book one-to-one sessions with the Programme Manager to discuss their questions.
For more information visit www.firstport.org.uk/funding/social-innovation-competition. The programme will close for applications at noon on Friday 16 September.
