Ready To RISE
Building on the success of our previous rounds of Ready to RISE in 2024 and 2025, The Challenges Group and Firstport are delighted to announce a new Ready to RISE programme coming soon supporting pre-start up women entrepreneurs in Scotland
Ready To RISE brings together the expertise of The Challenges Group in addressing women’s meaningful participation in the labour market (through the award-winning Making Work Work), with that of Firstport, Scotland’s agency for start-up social entrepreneurs and social enterprise, in an innovative new partnership.
It is aimed at any woman or non-binary person in Scotland who:
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has an early-stage idea to start an organisation with a social or environmental purpose (like a social enterprise or charity) but aren’t sure where to start; AND/OR
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can see a problem that needs fixing in our society or their local community but aren’t sure how to galvanise people around them to help; AND/OR
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wonder if starting an impact-driven business is the way to achieve the (work)life blend and purpose they seek.
Panel Event & Information Session
Sign up for our next online information session on 21st September 2026 to hear from women running their own social enterprise, and learn how the programme introduces social entrepreneurship to women as a means to earn income, work flexibly and achieve a social impact.
In-person events
If you'd like to find out more Join: Let's get started!
These informal sessions offer a chance to:
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learn what the Ready to RISE programme is all about
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hear directly from social entrepreneurs who’ve turned their ideas into careers
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discover how social enterprise can help you earn a living, work flexibly, and have a positive impact
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find out how Ready to RISE could support your idea
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hear from Emma Ives, an experienced start-up business advisor
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ask your important questions during a Q&A
Each one will feature different speakers and you are welcome to attend as many as you'd like. The next events will take place in Dunfermline on 2nd October and Edinburgh on 22nd October. More events will be announced soon!
Replay: Panel Event & Information Session 17th June 2026
FAQs
About the Programme
Q: Is there a cost to take part?
A: No, the programme is free to all participants.
Q: How do I apply? Is there a selection process?
A: Applications will open over the Summer and we will contact all who have registered interest, as well as promoting on our social channels. We recruit in cohorts of approx 15 - 20 women and select participants based on availability, geographical reach, diversity and need.
Q: When will the training be and can watch the sessions in my own time?
A: We will be running 3 cohorts, starting September, October and January respectively. Although it is delivered online, we ask for commitment to join all sessions ideally to enable participants to make the most of the training and peer support. Sessions are not recorded in order to create a safe confidential space, so live attendance is mandatory.
Q: Can I join the training if I have previously completed a Making Work Work programme?
A: MWW Alumni are welcome and eligible to apply for Ready to Rise. However, a great deal of the training content has been developed from MWW, with adjustments made to reflect a focus on social start-ups rather than employability. Those who have recently participated in MWW may find participating in the programme repetitive. If you are unsure, please get in touch with us.
Q: I have a lot of ideas and passions for a business for good – but I don’t know how to tease out which one would be the most practical, with the most impact, and the one best working for me. Will this training course help me with it?
A: Yes! The training includes an ideation workshop to help you work on your ideas and funnel them into a valid option that works for you. Other sessions such as the (work)life blend session will help you to uncover your passions and values and how this impacts your personal life and work balance.
Q: I am not sure if I have what it takes to run a business. Will this programme help me decide?
A: Yes! We will offer training and tools to help you come to the decision that’s right for you. Not everyone who takes part in the programme will decide to push forward to start-up and that’s OK. We can help you find other ways to get the purpose and (work)life blend you seek.
Q: I already have a clear idea: will you help me set my business up?
A: Ready to RISE is targeted at women who are exploring social enterprise, so at the pre-start-up stage. Ready to RISE can help you clarify your idea(s) and make the decision whether or not to start a social enterprise. We will then signpost you to support and possible funding to take the next steps. If you have a clear idea and want to set up a social enterprise, you can access support via Just Enterprise.
Q: Can I join the training even though I am employed?
A: Yes, as long as you are able to attend the online sessions.
About Social Businesses
Q: What is a social enterprise or social business?
A: A social enterprise or social business is one which re-invests its profits for a good cause. Typically, the assets are locked meaning that can only be used to support that good cause (and not sold off for private profit, for example). Some charities operate like social enterprises and some businesses operate with a purpose or charitable objective. A common structure for a social enterprise is a Community Interest Company, or CIC. This programme supports you to get your idea clear – the structure you choose comes later.
Q: When setting up a Community Interest Company (CIC – one form of social enterprise), is there a certain proportion of revenue that needs to go back into the enterprise, and how much can be used for e.g. salaries (and what if these two parts compete)?
A: As a business you and your board decide where your money goes, salaries are first. Everything above is your profit, that goes back into the social enterprise.
Q: I am not sure about about boards – do I need to have one for a CIC? I fear they stand in the way of doing the business for good in the way I want to.
A: Yes, you need to have a board in a Community Interest Company, it ensures the safeguarding of the idea for good and the aim to support the community. But as the one starting the CIC you can choose your board members and would be able to ensure only those join the board who are passionate about your idea and help you achieving your goals.
