Want to find out more about Ready to RISE? Join: Let's get started!

If you’ve ever thought about starting a social enterprise but weren’t sure where to begin, this is the perfect place to start.

These informal sessions offer a chance to:

learn what the Ready to RISE programme is all about
hear directly from social entrepreneur Amy Wight, founder of Café Recharge who turned her social enterprise idea into a career
discover how social enterprise can help you earn a living, work flexibly, and have a positive impact
find out how Ready to RISE could support your idea
hear from Emma Ives, an experienced start-up business advisor
ask your important questions during a Q&A

Each one will feature different speakers and you are welcome to attend as many as you'd like.

About Ready to RISE
Ready to RISE (Readiness and Incubation for the Social Economy) is a free 8-week training programme for women and non-binary people across Scotland. Sessions take place online via Zoom on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

Upcoming cohorts:

Cohort 1: Wednesday 2 September-Wednesday 21 October
Cohort 2: Wednesday 28 October-Wednesday 16 December
Cohort 3: Wednesday 13 January-Wednesday 3 March 2027

Each cohort offers 15-20 places, and applications roll over if a cohort is full.

Participants may also be eligible to apply for up to £1,000 in grant funding to help develop their idea.

Why join the programme?
Ready to RISE is designed to help you:

build confidence and develop practical skills
explore and shape your ideas
create a work/life blend that suits you
grow your network and learn how to start a social enterprise

Interested?
Sign up to Let's get started, to learn more and see if Ready to RISE is right for you.

For questions, email info@firstport.org.uk

You can also get inspired by reading case studies of people already using social enterprise to create flexible, fulfilling jobs.

Important accessibility information

This session is being held in the Commons Room at the Melting Pot, Edinburgh. The Commons is an accessible space. There is an accessible toilet on the same floor as the Commons which we will put out a ramp for if required, as there are two shallow steps.

The main entrance to The Melting Pot has two steps. There is an alternative entrance for wheelchair users via The Melting Pot's kitchen. Please let us know at info@firstport.org.uk if you require any support with the accessible entrance.

If travel costs are a barrier to attending an info session, get in touch to discuss support options.

Please email us at info@firstport.org.uk if you would like any featured slides or materials sent to you after the event.

If there is anything that would help you take part, including:

an interpreter
a particular seating arrangement
documents in a different format
a quiet space
bringing someone to support you

Or if there is anything else you need, please email us at info@firstport.org.uk. You do not need to explain why, and we will never make you feel like a burden for asking.

We look forward to seeing you!

Contact the host of Ready to RISE: Let's get started! At The Melting Pot, Edinburgh