Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has announced 14 social enterprises in the Borders are to be awarded a share of a new £50,000 fund.
The money will provide the successful organisations with more stability and an opportunity to tackle local issues, by offering services such as community cafes, youth coaching, cookery classes and art clubs.
Ms Campbell said: “Social enterprises empower communities, tackle tough social problems and create jobs. They benefit and support people that traditional sectors struggle to reach, often the most disadvantaged.
“That’s why we’re investing £50,000 to support social enterprises in the Borders to grow and thrive.
“This new investment and support will allow Borders communities to have more control over their own affairs and take forward more of the activities they have identified as being vital to their local area including engaging in local rural initiatives.
“These projects will help people who may experience difficulties, often due to their remote rural location, to access more jobs and training, improve disabled access, promote healthy eating, environmental sustainability and good mental health.”
Enterprise Facilitator at Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber Pamela Redpath said: “The £50,000 from the Scottish Government has allowed us to make 14 grants to new social enterprises and activities with the potential to make a huge difference.
“The projects are very diverse and take some innovative approaches to tackling a range of social, rurality, educational and environmental issues. All are aimed at dismantling some of the barriers that exist for people here in the Borders.”
