Ready To RISE
Building on the success of our pilot of Ready to RISE in 2023/24, The Challenges Group and Firstport are delighted to announce a new Ready to RISE programme supporting pre-start up women entrepreneurs in Scotland.
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We are delighted to have again won Pathways funding from The Scottish Government to promote social entrepreneurship to women across Scotland. Ready to RISE will run once again in early 2025.
Ready to RISE is for you if you are a woman 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 your local community but aren’t sure how to galvanise people around you to help; AND/OR
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think starting an impact-driven business is the way to achieve the (work)life blend and purpose you seek.
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Applications are now closed.
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.
The Making Work Work team has already helped over 260 Scottish women to transition into and towards work that works following a career break. Making Work Work programmes are managed by Challenges’ Senior Manager for Learning & Leadership, Lynn Houmdi, who is also Scotland's Flex Influencer 2022 and Founder of Flexible Working Scotland.​
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If you would like to know more about the programme, you can watch a replay of our information session:​​​​​​
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Catch up on our most recent social entrepreneur panel event:
You can also view last year's panel event:
Your Questions Answered
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About the Programme
Q: Is there an application deadline?
A: Applications are now open. Whilst there is no deadline as such, spaces are limited so in the event we are over-subscribed we will open a waiting list.
Q: Can I join the training even though I am in employment?
A: Yes, as long as you are able to join the weekly online training.
Q: Is there a cost for participation in the programme?
A: No. The programme is fully funded by the Scottish Government and is free for participants.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for joining?
A: This programme is aimed at any woman in Scotland, employed or otherwise, who is considering whether establishing a social business would work for them. No prior experience in this area is required, just an interest.
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Q: When will the training be and can I watch the sessions in my own time?
A: The training will start in mid-February and run for four weeks, with two online sessions per week.
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: What sort of time commitment is required?
A: We will run two sessions of around two and a half to three hours, twice a week. As noted above, attendance is mandatory. Beyond that time commitment, you may wish to set aside a further couple of hours to work on your idea, review training materials etc.
Q: Is one-to-one support provided?
A: This is predominantly a group training programme, designed to help you support one another on your journey. However if you do decide to take your idea forward, we will signpost you to one-to-one support from our partners.
About You
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 already have a clear idea and want to set up a social enterprise, you can access support via Just Enterprise.
About Social Businesses
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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.
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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.
