THE Scottish Government will provide nearly £1.9 million in funding to grassroots organisations with the aim of tackling inequality and climate change, as well as improving social enterprises.

Announcing the move at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Ethiopia, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said 21 groups would be recipients of the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund.

The £1,893,558 will go to groups to boost the number of social enterprise start-ups coming out of Scottish universities, to create “social enterprise hubs” in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda and for two “rapid response” units for the charity sector, aimed at tackling gender inequality in business and addressing climate change.

Campbell said: “Social enterprises at home and abroad make a valuable economic and social impact to our communities.

“This £1.8 million funding will support projects working to bring about real change in their communities.

“From tackling poverty and inequality to supporting new skills and opportunities, these projects will help us develop a well-being economy – where social and commercial goals go hand in hand to create a fairer, more equal society.”

She added: “The 2019 Social Enterprise World Forum provides an opportunity to showcase Scotland as a world-leading social enterprise nation, building upon our legacy as the 2018 host as well as strengthening our cultural and trading links with Ethiopia.”

Campbell is the first minister from the Scottish Government to visit Ethiopia, where it is hoped she will be able to strengthen ties between the two countries.