SSE creates fund to help Perthshire start-ups

Perth-based energy giant Scottish Southern Energy has recently set up a £250,000 entrepreneurial fund available to start-ups in the Perthshire and Highland regions.

The Griffin and Calliacher Enterprise Fund is aimed at existing small businesses or start-ups, who have been invited to apply for either micro-grants up to £1,000, or medium sized grants up to £5,000 or larger grants of up to £20,000.

The application and administration of the fund will be handled by GrowBiz, who support community-based enterprise support in rural Perthshire.

SSE community fund manager Marianne Townsley said: “For the first time small businesses or start-ups can come to us with their bright ideas that will not only boost the local economy, but must also have a beneficial effect on the local economy. We are confident that Perthshire’s entrepreneurs will use their initiative and apply for funding.”

Catriona Rowan, Chair of GrowBiz’s voluntary board, said: “We’re excited to be managing this new Enterprise Fund in partnership with SSE. It’s a ‘first’ for rural areas in Scotland. There are so many people with great ideas in Highland Perthshire, we’re looking forward to encouraging as many good applications as possible. It’s crucial for the rural economy to have a strong business community, creating jobs and opportunities for local people.”