Windfarm fund to boost Perthshire company start-ups

CASH: £250,000 to be distributed to help new businesses get off the ground

Utility giant SSE has moved to boost the start-up business scene in Highland Perthshire with the establishment of a new £250,000 entrepreneurial fund.

The Perth-headquartered power company’s new Griffin and Calliacher Enterprise Fund will offer new and existing small companies the chance to access grants of up to £20,000.

The fund will sit alongside the existing Griffin and Calliacher community investment fund which was established when SSE brought the two windfarms online.

The smallest grants made by the new enterprise fund will be for £1,000.|

SSE community fund manager Marianne Townsley said: “We are very proud to be breaking new ground with the launch of the Griffin and Calliacher Enterprise Fund.

“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 community.

“We are confident that Perthshire’s entrepreneurs will use their initiative and apply for funding.”

Catriona Rowan, chairwoman of GrowBiz’s voluntary board, said: “We’re excited to be managing this new Enterprise Fund in partnership with SSE.”

Weare confident that Perthshire’s entrepreneurs will use their initiative and apply for funding. MARIANNE TOWNSLEY SSE