YOUNG people in the Wee County will be supported to develop social enterprise ideas thanks to the launch of a fund last week.

Students from the Secondary Schools Support Service in Alloa hosted the launch of the #BuytheGoodStuff – Doogie Enterprise Club during Clacks Business Week.

Supported and funded by Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSi), the club involves some funding to allow pupils to take forward ideas that enable trading with community benefits.

And indeed, the young people at the Secondary Schools Support Service have already been leading the way when it comes to driving forward social enterprise activities.

Pupils such as Lewis, Stephen and Shane (pictured) have been designing and making planters and benches for community venues, learning skills along the way.

Supported by Mr Jim Thornton, principal teacher, they have started making a set of large garden planters that are being paid for by Alloa First and will be place along Candleriggs in the town centre this summer.

Anthea Coulter, chief officer at CTSi, said: "We want young people with ideas either individually or in groups to come up with ways to 'trade' with community benefits.

"We want young people to think about how they could develop a business idea – even a tiny idea – to make something which will have an outcome that benefits individuals or their community.

"These young people are already making something that town centre residents and visitors will benefit from – and so they were the ideal champions for the launch of the fund."

The Doogie Enterprise Club will also offer mentoring support as well as help with applications for further and larger grants available nationally through Firstport.

CTSi is also working closely with Business Gateway to help make sure aspiring social entrepreneurs get the best start possible.

Principal teacher Mr Thornton is delighted with the work already under way.

He added: "The young people are making planters that will be enjoyed by many, but they will also learn through the project and get to know the local businesses and build relationships that could help their future career pathways, including being inspired to develop their own business enterprise."

Schools interested in finding out more about the fund can contact Anthea via anthea.coulter@ctsi.org.uk or email jennifer.robertson@ctsi.org.uk to get in touch with the enterprise development officer.