02 Dec 2025
The successful Social Innovation Challenge Fund programme will run again in 2026/27, funding and co-design programmes of support for people from under-represented groups, such as those from disadvantaged backgrounds, women and minority ethnic communities to overcome the systemic barriers to entrepreneurship.
Organisations with an understanding of Glasgow’s business support ecosystem are invited to design and deliver support programmes for groups such as female or minority ethnic community entrepreneurs, or to signpost them to existing public services, which have been traditionally less likely to have been accessed by such groups.
Applications that seek to connect and empower early-stage entrepreneurs and start-ups in Glasgow will be invited. Applications are invited to be creative utilising new resources or forming new collaborative partnerships to ensure innovative approaches to tackling the barriers which exist for many.
The following organisations can apply to the Fund:
Four organisations are now delivering collaboratively designed programmes through the Fund to remove barriers to entrepreneurship, with £200,000 of funding allocated so far, supporting over 50 individuals with the skills, contacts and confidence to set up and thrive in business. £250,000 will be available from the Social Innovation Challenge Fund in 2026/27, with £250,000 available to local organisations to work collaboratively with our team to support these under-represented groups.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The City Council has changed the way we deliver business support to underserved communities, particularly those from black and minority ethnic communities and women entrepreneurs. The Social Innovation Challenge Fund is about supporting that business talent that has operated under the radar of public sector support for too long. It’s about providing the skills, the contacts, and the confidence so Glasgow’s underrepresented entrepreneurs are empowered to thrive. Our message is clear. Wherever you are, and whatever your background, we want to work with you to ensure you get the support you need to start, scale, and grow your business.”
The Fund will be open to applications that align with any of the following themes: promoting and establishing new entrepreneurial engagement with underrepresented groups in the city; promoting Glasgow as a place to start a business, breaking down barriers that exist in preventing people from taking risk and becoming entrepreneurs; promoting actual or new networks that support the development of Minority Ethnic Community-led businesses and/or other under-invested / under-represented communities; and promoting the business support services of Glasgow City Council and those of its partners, ensuring a collaborative approach.
Successful applicants must deliver their activity in the 2026/27 financial year, and applications for funding of around £50,000 are sought, although consideration will be given to applications between a minimum of £30,000 and a maximum of £100,000. A total budget of £250,000 has been allocated for 2026-27.
More detail on the Fund - which opens for applications for the 2026/27 financial year from 4 December - is available at: The Social Innovation Challenge Fund - Glasgow City Council
