# Scottish government creates digital hub to benefit rural communities

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/08/30/scottish-government-creates-digital-hub-to-benefit-rural-communities/
- Published: 2019-08-30T08:39:36+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**The Scottish government has announced a £27,000 grant to support the creation 
of a digital hub aimed at supporting social enterprise in rural areas of the country.**

The Rural Social Enterprise Hub will be based in Campbeltown and will build on knowledge
from European partners and establish a digital network for rural social enterprises
to share experiences.

In addition, the government has made 17 grants totalling £1m to support the growth
of grassroots social enterprises. The funding is going to a range of projects including
the Brand for Growth programme, which helps social enterprises to develop and grow
their brand to increase customers and trade opportunities, and LaunchMe: an accelerator
programme that offers social entrepreneurs support in raising private investment.

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Announcing the funding at the launch of the hub, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell
said:

> “Social enterprises are a vital part of our community and economy. They have a
> distinctive character and often play a role in preserving vital services such 
> as community shops and transport, and creating employment opportunities.
> “The Rural Social Enterprise Hub will bring benefits to the local community and
> surrounding area in Campbeltown and share knowledge and best practice in social
> enterprise, both across Scotland and internationally.”

Ailsa Clark, Development Manager for the hub said:

> “This funding will give us the opportunity to learn from the rural experience 
> to inform policy and better understand opportunities to use digital tools to connect
> rural social enterprises.
> “This launch recognises the significance of social enterprise in the rural context–
> with 34% of all Scotland’s social enterprises in rural areas but only 18% of the
> population, there is much to be learned.”

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