The Circle Academy is an SCQF accredited programme for individuals, start-ups, and organisations, who want their business to have a social impact, while operating in a commercially sustainable way. The training is focused on developing skills in business planning, governance, finance, marketing, funding, and pitching - with social impact.
The Circle Academy is run by The Circle, a multi-award-winning social enterprise, based in Dundee and Glasgow.
The Scottish Government already funded 25 places on the 5th cohort.
Shona Robison, MSP, and Social Justice Secretary, said: “The Circle Academy has a reputation for developing the skills and experiences of our social entrepreneurs and we look forward to seeing them progress as their businesses and enterprises launch and grow.”
The Academy Manager, Jenny McCarthy, said: “We're excited to be opening the Academy to more candidates than ever thanks to this support from the Scottish Government. I'm thrilled to reach more international candidates and spread our More Than Profit approach across the world.”
Participants will graduate with a business plan and a marketing strategy. They will also have the chance to receive an SCQF level 7 qualification in social entrepreneurship, and the opportunity to pitch for investment for their business.
The three groups targeted by the funding are in line with key areas identified in Scotland’s Social Enterprise Action Plan.
Academy graduate and Burundi based social entrepreneur, Mugisha Parfait of Perfect Village Communities, said: "The Academy has been inspiring! It has allowed us to understand what is necessary to develop our social enterprise, especially in Africa where entrepreneurship is something new."
The Circle are now accepting applications online.
You can find out more about the programme by contacting The Circle’s Academy Manager at academy@thecirclecic.org.uk
The Circle
The Circle is an award winning 'More Than Profit' organisation that supports businesses to make a difference to communities by providing affordable consultancy, training and workspaces, within an inclusive and friendly community.
