The Support for Communities Framework gives community-led organisations and social enterprises access to expert help and practical support to deliver local projects.

Through this framework, Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) can help community-led organisations and social enterprises access the right support at the right time. It offers flexibility, and services can be tailored to suit the project at hand and what's needed.

Areas of support can include:

• project development, such as:
  • community engagement and planning
  • options appraisals 
  • development of strategic plans
• project management and delivery, such as:
  • marketing and digital activities
  • support to manage large-scale projects
  • benefits realisation and risk management
• financial support, including help to:
  • secure investment
  • develop funding applications
  • set up financial and monitoring systems
  • restructure project finance
• procurement, such as undertaking and supporting procurement exercises, including the use of appropriate advertising routes and portals and support to participate in procurement exercises as sub-contractors
• performance management, such as:
  • identifying and undertaking the most appropriate model or methodology for social impact measurement assessments
  • developing systems for capturing social impact data 
  • providing information on social impacts to support funding applications

The Support for Communities Framework is available to community-led organisations and social enterprises based in the Highlands and Islands.

There is no cost to access this support. However, it is subject to state subsidy assessment and, if appropriate, your available de minimis allowance.

Community-led organisations and social enterprises based in the Highlands and Islands.

The support provided by your adviser will usually take between 5 to 10 days. However, each project is assessed individually, and there may be some activities that require longer.

Submit an enquiry and an adviser will be in touch to discuss your needs.