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Firstport and Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway join forces to celebrate International Women’s Day

The Leading Women in Social Enterprise event, taking place in Kirkcudbright on 21st March, will celebrate the women in the south of Scotland who are blazing a trail for others in the region.

Firstport will deliver this free event as part of the Just Enterprise programme in collaboration with Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway. The event aims to inspire and connect startup social entrepreneurs in the south of Scotland and those considering changing their business to a social enterprise.

With an exciting line-up of speakers, Leading Women in Social Enterprise is a full-day event comprising a combination of practical workshops delivered by experts in legal and financial matters and a panel discussion with four inspiring local social entrepreneurs.

The panel discussion includes contributions from Dumfries-based social entrepreneur Beth Morrison; photographer, filmmaker, and researcher Dr Saskia Coulson; Rebecca Giblin from Sleeping Giants and Amy- Dee Watson, of Creetown Initiatives. Third Sector consultant and Kirkcudbright resident Naomi Johnson will chair the discussion.

I am delighted to be part of the panel discussion at the Leading Women in Social Enterprise event next month. Events like these are a fantastic opportunity to share experiences, get inspired, and learn about the excellent work that social enterprises do in our area.

I am passionate about social enterprise. I hope that by sharing my journey and experience, I can help to inspire others to take the next step and get their ideas off the ground.

Beth Morrison, Founder of Just Breath O2
Social entrepreneur Beth Morrison
Beth Morrison, Founder, Just Breathe O2

Women are at the forefront of the social enterprise movement in Scotland. According to the most recent Social Enterprise in Scotland Census, 71% of social enterprises are led by women, so we felt it was only fitting to mark International Women’s Day 2023 by shining a light on women’s vital contribution to the sector.

We are delighted that Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway shared our enthusiasm and to be able to deliver the event in collaboration with them. I look forward to welcoming delegates to Kirkcudbright on 21st March and I encourage anyone interested in attending to book their place now.

Emma Ives, Business Advisor at Firstport

Tickets for the event are available via Eventbrite here. A limited number of free spaces on transport from Dumfries and Newton Stewart to Kirkcudbright (return) are available on a first-come basis, please email info[@]firstport.org.uk to reserve your space.