February 22, 2012
Timely boost for Perthshire village
The value of shared space can be even more crucial for a rural community – particularly when the café forms part of the village shop, post office and petrol station. Faced with the prospect of losing this vital amenity three years ago, the community of Kirkmichael raised the funds to buy the business and have run it ever since. It’s been an uphill struggle but they’ve just received a massive boost with an award from Scottish Government’s Enterprise Growth Fund
22/2/12
AN EAST Perthshire business has had its future secured, thanks to nearly £150,000 of funding.
Finance secretary and local MSP John Swinney announced last week that the Strathardle Trading CIC was one of the organisations given £139,000 as part of the £6 million Enterprise Growth Fund.
Strathardle Trading will be use money to buy the property the shop is in and create a new part-time job.
Sally Gingell, Strathardle Trading CIC, said: “Receiving this money is a fantastic boost to us. It has secured the future of the shop, and it means Kirkmichael continues to have the services it requires as a rural community.”
The Enterprise Growth Fund was launched in July last year and given an additional £2m in December to invest in Scotland’s third sector. The fund received over 600 applications. More than 60 growing charities and social enterprises from across Scotland will receive grants between £25,000 and £200,000.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said: “I’m pleased to see the Enterprise Growth Fund delivering support to Scotland’s third sector organisations.
“The Scottish Government recognises the important contribution that third sector bodies make to our economy. They create employment opportunities, improve our public services and at the same time reach out to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“The Enterprise Growth Fund is a great way to help these organisations become sustainable and reach their full potential in the current economic climate.
“I look forward to hearing the good news stories that come as a result of this funding.”