This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Futurebuilders Seedcorn Fund
19/09/2005
A scheme to help community and voluntary groups create vital job and training opportunities has received an additional £1.6 million, it was announced today.
The Futurebuilders Scotland Seedcorn Fund, currently worth £4 million, helps small social enterprises improve the delivery of local services through becoming self-sufficient businesses.
The additional money for the scheme from the European Social Fund was announced by Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson during a visit to the Gorbals Arts Project in Glasgow, which has previously benefited from Seedcorn funding.
Mr Wilson said:
"The social economy plays a crucial role in delivering public services and investing in people and communities. These include increasing the employability of disadvantaged people, helping projects that regenerate communities and services for, and run by, young people.
"The Futurebuilders Seedcorn Fund is just one of the ways in which the Executive is helping organisations to develop and become more sustainable and ultimately improve the services they deliver.
"Ventures such as this Gorbals Arts Project provide excellent evidence of the real difference that Seedcorn funding can make. The Project works with local groups to create works of art, improving the local area and giving people a sense of pride and ownership in their community. It will use its Seedcorn grant to help secure further commissions and generate additional income.
"I am delighted to announce an additional £1.6 million European funding for the Seedcorn scheme, bringing the total money available to £5.6 million. This will ensure that even more projects can benefit, having a similarly positive impact on individuals and communities.
Futurebuilders Scotland Seedcorn funding is part of a wider £18 million fund which is designed to help voluntary and community organisations to expand their future service delivery and improve their financial sustainability. The programme is managed by Communities Scotland, the Executive's housing and regeneration agency.
The £1.6 million European Social Fund money is part of the 2000 - 2006 Objective 3 Programme which covers all of Lowland Scotland.
It funds training, employability, raising skill levels and improving competitiveness. The programme is worth 513 million Euros, approximately £350 million.
The Gorbals Arts Project was awarded £34,916 Seedcorn funding in June 2005 during phase one of the scheme.