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Three Years of Partnership: LaunchMe and The Edinburgh Royal Merchants Guild

, LaunchMe

When The Edinburgh Royal Merchants Guild launched their mentoring programme, they set out to support entrepreneurs across the city. Three years on, something remarkable has emerged: half of all their mentees are social enterprises recommended by Firstport’s LaunchMe programme.

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Step Up with International Tartans

Retail, Step Up

International Tartans is a social enterprise that revitalises Scotland’s textile heritage by combining tradition, inclusion and innovation. Based in Eyemouth, they offer training and employment to vulnerable women and young people through advanced tailoring and craft skills and specialist support. Step Up is supporting their growth so they can expand their work, reaching more people.

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Work of Iron: Expanding Access to Blacksmithing

, SEF - Start it

Work of Iron is a community-focused social enterprise forge based in Granton, North Edinburgh. It provides subsidised access to blacksmithing education and facilities, supporting residents and marginalised people while revitalising a heritage craft for contemporary practice.

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Firstport’s CEO Awarded MBE in New Year’s Honours List

Gael Drummond has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year’s Honours list for her services to social enterprises.

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Creating Inclusive Learning in Moray: The Paddock Broom of Moy CIC

, SEF - Start it

Founded in 2022 by Beccie Thornhill and Lesley Bell to fill a vital local gap, The Paddock Broom of Moy CIC offers hands-on, wellbeing-focused learning for neurodivergent children, young people and adults, supporting growth, connection, and confidence.

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