SOME 11 budding entrepreneurs from South Carrick have been accepted onto the What if... Girvan programme.

The social enterprise agency, Firstport who run the agency, support people to develop and launch business ideas that make a positive difference in Girvan and South Carrick villages.

The participants will receive one to one support to develop their idea and up to £3000 in funding to test it out, provided by the William Grant Foundation. 

Craig Maxwell, one of the new participants, wants to improve access to sports such as BMX, skateboarding and scootering in the area.

He said: “When I was younger there was very little investment in action sports, particularly in Scotland, and therefore a number of kids at that time struggled to participate in sports that we felt passionately about. 

“I feel I can change this. Girvan has great potential for sport becoming a strong focus in the community with the opening of The Quay Zone and the area becoming a hub for local people to participate in sport.”

Sally Johnston, Programme Manager at What if…Girvan, said: “We’re beginning to see earlier ideas, accepted onto the programme almost two years ago, developing into established businesses and have an impact in the community. 

“There’s a lot of potential in this latest group and I’m looking forward to seeing the ideas progress.”

Nick Addington, Chief Executive of the William Grant Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that the William Grant Foundation is able to support so many new ideas, each inspired by their community, which have the potential to make the area an even better place to live, work and grow up.”