Scotland’s centre for social innovation launches Incubator Award Programme.
The Melting Pot is calling on new and emerging social innovators to apply for a fully funded scholarship on their Social Innovation Incubation Award.
Social innovation is integral to society particularly in current economic and social climates, and includes any activity which serves to better culture, society, and the environment. Be it arts and culture organisations providing workshops for disadvantaged children, to green business consultancies, social innovation represents the efforts and ambition of people and groups who wish to impact on other people’s experiences in a long lasting and positive way.
Following the previous successes of The Melting Pot’s Assisted Places programme in 2010, The Social Innovation Incubator Award draws on the expertise of private and third sector organisations to help grow and develop start-up and emerging not for profits.
As part of this year’s Award, up to ten organisations will be awarded free access to a range of practical resources including workspace, learning, mentoring and advice sessions as part of the 12 month programme.
Claire Carpenter, Founder and Managing Director of The Melting Pot said “We’re very pleased to be introducing an Award that will enable social innovators with the space, business support and mentoring that turns ideas into reality. It’s a rewarding but hard process developing a social change organisation – particularly in this challenging climate.
“Our dedicated, holistic support programme draws on the expertise of others from the Third and Private sectors. We believe the benefits of the Award will be felt across the region long after its 12 month timescale. The programme has been enabled by the generosity of private individuals and organisations including Nesta, RedLynx, MacRoberts LLP and YoungScot; and we invite others to contribute their donation to assist us in providing more places on the programme.”
As part of the Incubation Award winners will be able to choose a location for a professional work base in Edinburgh, Midlothian or Fife.
Over the year there will be group and 1-2-1 learning and support sessions in a range of subjects covering legal, financial, IT, business planning and marketing. This will be complimented by leadership and governance support including working with volunteers.
Jo Timmins, founder of Lyra Theatre, recipient of an Assisted Place in 2010, and continuing member at The Melting Pot said “The Melting Pot has everything that you need, it’s in a central location and the community is eclectic, interesting and friendly. I’ve particularly enjoyed making connections with people outside of my own industry, the flexibility of the assisted place, and the focus it has given to the development of Lyra Theatre.
“The Melting Pot has tailored support and mentoring to my needs and has always been on hand to help whenever I’ve needed it; a really valuable and highly recommended opportunity!”
The Award was launched this week at The Social Enterprise Exchange in Glasgow – the UKs largest annual social enterprise conference.
The closing date for applications is 8th June 2012 and the programme commences in July this year. Further information and application forms can be found at www.TheMeltingPotEdinburgh.org.uk/social-innovation-incubation-award-2012-13
