Firstport

Developed through a start-up grant from Firstport for social entrepreneurs, Equine Qualifications UK CIC is all about connecting equestrian learners and providers, making the industry more accessible and breaking down the barriers to getting involved. We're creating a network to promote diversity and inclusion, all while working towards a more ethical and sustainable future for the sector. This is a crucial moment for the equestrian industry, and it's time to come together to protect our social license and build a future that's sustainable. ----- HOW DOES IT WORK? EQUK is building an online database of equestrian educational opportunities. It provides search engine optimised listings for education providers which allows prospective learners to easily compare opportunities. Think UniCompare or FindAMasters, but for the equine industry. Advertising revenue generated not only gives education providers an online listing, but also helps to fund proactive widening access and outreach work which systematically breaks down the barriers to participation. WHAT SERVICES DOES EQUK PROVIDE? EQUK's website has been built using the four pillars of SEO, but it goes a step further by taking education providers directly to the source of their applicants. Our aim is to work with every riding school across the UK to support the grassroots of the equestrian industry. Prospective learners benefit from free support and guidance, bespoke for equine industry. WHAT IS THE VISION? EQUK's research conducted throughout 2023 identified three core barriers to participation: finance, belonging and geography. EQUK's goal is to offer funding and finance to those from education provider's target widening access backgrounds, funded by the advertising revenue generated from listings. It also aims to support the development of apprenticeships in a manner which supports the sustainability of equestrian businesses. ----- EQUK aims to bridge the gap which currently exists between opportunities and those learners keen to access them. It understands and acknowledges the challenges, and is offering a mechanism to help overcome them. As a sector, equestrianism needs to improve its attitude to education: we can view it as a positive means to gain the necessary experience. It's also a means for those with experience to formalize it. We can do and be so much better as a sector. You can find the links in the comments about how to get involved. 👇

Applications are now open for the 2025 Acumen United Kingdom Fellowship! Build the knowledge and skills to amplify your impact and join a community of Founders, CEOs & Senior Leaders committed to tackling poverty across the United Kingdom. Fellows are building solutions that redefine education, employment, healthcare, wellbeing, sustainability & more. ❓Keen to find out more? Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the programme details and hear first-hand from Fellows: 1️⃣ Thurs 17th Oct, 12-1pm: https://hubs.la/Q02Tf-Rs0 2️⃣ Tues 29th Oct, 9-10am: https://hubs.la/Q02Tf-Qy0 3️⃣ Tues 12th Nov, 4-5pm: https://hubs.la/Q02Tf-Tj0 ✏️ Ready to dive in with your application? Apply here: https://hubs.la/Q02TfQsz0 (deadline 20th Nov) 💡Nominate a future Fellow today: https://hubs.la/Q02Tf-PD0

Firstport are recruiting board members to broaden and strengthen the skills, experience, and diversity of our existing board. Welcoming applications from anyone who meets the role’s description and person specification, however, we want to reach individuals who can demonstrate specialist knowledge, skills, and lived or learned experience in one or more of the following 👇 --> Key public policy areas affecting Scotland --> Scottish Government, Local Authority or other public sector knowledge, including relationships with civil servants and government officials --> Business development, corporate partnerships and diversification of income streams --> Impact measurement and evaluation frameworks I have had the pleasure of serving on the board for the past 18 months, and it has been a really rewarding and enjoyable experience so far. 🩷 The process is closing at the end of October, and you can find out more information below: https://lnkd.in/eQFj7g88 #boardmember #opening #socialenterprise

🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Social Entrepreneurs in the Scottish Borders! 🌟 We're thrilled to be teaming up with Firstport Scotland to host a Social Enterprise Drop-in at the Lauder Hometown Hub on 31st October! 🎉 Whether you're just starting out with a new idea or already running a social enterprise and looking to grow, this event is for you! 💡 What to expect: ✨ Guidance on launching or scaling your social enterprise ✨ Advice on funding options, including Start It, Build It, Step Up & Catalyst programmes ✨ 1:1 support from Daisy Ford Downes, Head of Group Investment Programmes at Firstport Scotland These informal sessions are open to all—whether you're at the early stages of an idea or ready to take your enterprise to the next level! 🚀 📅 Booking is required, so grab your spot now:  https://lnkd.in/eEJZe4xZ Don’t miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and get expert advice on growing your social enterprise! 🙌 #firstport Firstport #socialenterprise