Step Up, Scale Up: Real Stories of Social Enterprise Growth
Step Up is a 0% interest loan, with flexible repayment terms and a fast turnaround, designed for enterprising charities and social enterprises looking to build on proven ideas. Curious? We recently caught up with Àban, Angus Small Repairs, and Govan Appliance Project CIC, three organisations that are flourishing with a bit of Step Up support. Their stories might help you decide if this is the next move for your business.
Investment can feel daunting – but it doesn’t have to. Step Up is a great first step into repayable finance for your social enterprise. It offers loans between £5,000 and £30,000 and is 0% interest with flexible repayment terms, meaning organisations can decide how and when to repay, based on what works best for them. Not only that, with an average turnaround of just three weeks, it’s the ideal option to accelerate your social enterprise’s growth quickly.
Discover why Àban, Angus Small Repairs, and Govan Appliance Project CIC chose to Step Up — and how it’s helping them take their social enterprises to the next level.
What challenge or issue was your organisation facing before applying for Step Up?
Before applying to Step Up, the three organisations were each facing growth and sustainability challenges.
For example, Àban had a solid track record, but it wasn’t meeting 100% of its operating costs. Johannes, founder of Àban told us: “The challenge we were facing was to reduce our reliance on grant funding.”
For Helen, founder of Angus Small Repairs, the pressure came from rapid growth, and demand outstripping capacity. She said: “We desperately needed to employ an additional full-time operational member of staff to help keep up with the workload and reduce the waiting list.”
While Wes, founder of Govan Appliance Project CIC, urgently needed a reliable, LEZ-compliant vehicle and additional premises. He added: “To grow sustainably, we were preparing to open a second dedicated shop, allowing us to expand both our trading activity and community impact.”
How has a Step Up loan helped you grow your activities and trading?
Step Up has been instrumental in helping these social enterprises to grow by enabling them to invest in essential equipment, expand services, create jobs, and strengthen their support in the community.
Helen from Angus Small Repairs told us that they were able to create a new job to meet the demand of their waiting list, saying that they are “now able to offer larger repairs which clients are in desperate need of, and which we could not offer previously.”
Taking on a new retail space dedicated to selling their refurbished appliances meant that Govan Appliance Project’s original hub could focus solely on repairs and training. Like Helen, Wes was able to grow their team with help from their Step Up loan, sharing that they’ve taken on “an apprentice two days a week, an appliance tester, and more volunteers.” While Step Up also solved an immediate challenge for them, it has also positioned them: “for long-term growth, resilience, and deeper community impact.”
Àban has been able to invest in equipment and Gift Aid software they wouldn’t have otherwise had access to. Johannes said: “We were able to buy a gear hub which is an expensive piece of equipment that was crucial for us. It is a specialist product that helps us manage our donations of high-quality outdoor equipment.”
What features or factors about Step Up made it the right fit for your organisation?
The fact that Step Up is a 0% interest loan with an average three-week turnaround and flexible repayment options were all appealing features for these organisations when it came to applying.
Johannes from Àban explained that if it had been a longer process, they wouldn’t have gone for it but that it took them a month. He also added that: “The flexible repayment terms also make us feel secure that we will still be here in five years’ time and can continue working towards our long-term strategy.”
Helen from Angus Small Repairs agreed that “the fast turnaround was paramount for us. Had we applied for investment or grants from other streams, there is always a longer response.”
Wes from Govan Appliance Project CIC said the quick turnaround was crucial for them and that: “the 0% interest rate made it a financially sustainable option”. They also added that the guidance and support from the Firstport team throughout the process gave them confidence every step of the way.
What would you say to other organisations considering social investment?
All three social enterprises agreed that Step Up is a great first step when looking at loans to enable their growth but only if the organisation is at the right stage.
Wes from Govan Appliance Project CIC said that if an organisation needs to be ready to grow but is lacking the resources to make it happen, “social investment can be the bridge that gets you there.” Adding that Step Up gave them: “the stability and breathing space to expand at the right time, and the process was straightforward and supportive.”
Helen from Angus Small Repairs agreed: “Step Up is a great way to get into social investment. If you think you are ready to look at social investment, start by looking at Step Up, as it is designed to fit where others don’t.” She felt that larger investment products don’t always fit the needs of smaller organisations, but that Step Up filled that gap, and added that the Firstport team: “ensured it wasn’t as daunting as these things usually are.”
Johannes from Àban emphasised the need to have a long-term strategy, including having a vision and mission, if you want to be ready for Step Up. He also suggested having a finance expert in your organisation, “either in your team or on your board, or to engage with experienced charity accountants.” Additionally, he said to: “also consider joining the LaunchMe programme to get you ready for investment.”
What is next for your organisation?
With exciting projects and changes on the horizon, these social enterprises will have a greater impact on the communities they serve.
Angus Small Repairs have taken a huge step forward and are now looking to grow at a faster rate than first planned. Demand for their services shows no signs of slowing, with the waiting list increasing. As a result, Helen said they will be: “looking to add an operational member to the team by the end of the year.” This will allow them to carry out more work and meet the increase in demand. They are also: “looking at working in partnership with other third sector organisations and statutory services.”
Johannes from Àban shared that their plans involve: “purchasing more specialist equipment”, coupled with a focus on their digital footprint, including prioritising marketing and refreshing their website.
Govan Appliance Project CIC will be accessing more areas across Glasgow with their new LEZ-compliant vehicle. Wes tells us that looking ahead, they will continue their partnerships with housing associations to support tenants and contribute to a circular economy by expanding their: “training programmes, offering more volunteering and employment opportunities, and keeping even more appliances in use rather than going to landfill.”
Loan finance like Step Up isn’t just funding – it’s a catalyst for sustainable growth. It gives organisations the confidence to plan, scale their reach, and create deeper, lasting social impact.
Feeling inspired? Join one of our Social Investment Office Hours coming up in the next few weeks, and chat with our experts about how your organisation could grow with Step Up.
If you have any immediate questions, you can also email us at info@firstport.org.uk today.