WHAT if…Girvan are to become the first social investor on a global digital platform.

They will partner with Opening Access to Sustainable Independent Income Streams (OASIIS), an online platform designed to promote sustainable development in and around biosphere reserves.

The organisation delivered by Firstport, Scotland’s social enterprise development agency, is also a “Proud Supporter” of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.

Sally Johnston, What If…Girvan programme manager, said: “Biosphere Reserves such as Galloway and Southern Ayrshire are a perfect fit for social enterprises, which invest in people and the environment and help create flourishing and robust communities.

“The OASIIS/What If…Girvan partnership will link individuals and social enterprises to activity and opportunities within the global network of biospheres. 

“Having a digital presence on OASIIS will enable them to make their impacts internationally visible and connect with new markets and partners worldwide. What If.. Girvan offers opportunities to individuals starting up and looking to develop social enterprises in the biosphere area.’’

What if... Girvan aims to engage social entrepreneurs and local businesses that are delivering social and environmental benefits and provide them with an opportunity to connect with other like-minded businesses via the OASIIS platform.

The programme’s online presence on the digital platform went live on Friday, March 23.

This coinciding with the two year anniversary of the OASIIS platform and the launch of the first ever OASIIS Biennial Report, which sheds light on the potential of social entrepreneurship for sustainable development.

Colin Campbell, ASC and OASIIS founder, said: “We are delighted to welcome What If… Girvan onto the OASIIS platform as the first social investor. 

“This opens up a fantastic opportunity for social entrepreneurs to access investment that can support them to contribute to making their communities more resilient and sustainable while working in harmony with the values of their local Biosphere.