FOUR innovative social entrepreneurs have been given a share of £80,000 for their businesses.

Two of the lucky business people to receive an award in Build It grants from Firstport's social entrepreneurs fund are based in the Glasgow-area - Elaine Williamson for her Recycle Mobility Centre business and Natasha Earle of Birth, Baby & Beyond.

Each business received £20,000, allowing the entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level.

Firstport chief executive Karen McGregor said: "Social enterprises play such an important role in supporting Scotland's communities by creating employment opportunities and enhancing skills.

"We are delighted to be supporting these entrepreneurs at such an exciting time in their development.

"Our Build It awards programme provides the time and space required for a social entrepreneur to commit themselves wholly to making their venture work.

"This leap of faith is essential if the business is to develop further and faster."

Natasha's Birth, Baby & Beyond business - which featured in our Glasgow Means Business column last month - helps families, with little or no income in Glasgow by providing free starter packs of essential baby and child items.

In addition,it has a high street shop in Partick selling new and used items.

Elaine runs Clydebank's Recycle Mobility Centre, which offers a quality service that refurbishes and maintains mobility equipment and sells it at an affordable price to those who can't afford to buy new. She also provides a workplace experience and training that meets the specific needs of the individual.

The awards are made by Firstport, which supports social enterprises as they get started.

All candidates had to show that their enterprises can generate income and deliver strong social outcomes.

The other firms to get funding were Kirsten Duncan's Steps to Inclusion, in Midlothian, and Nicky McPherson's The Cardboard Box Playcafe, in Perth and Kinross.

janice.burns@eveningtimes.co.uk