GOOD IDEAS PROGRAMME – RECRUITING NOW
We are excited that Good Ideas Class is back for 2026! We have 16 places available for people across Scotland with good ideas that could make a positive difference to society, their community or the environment
The journey of social innovation can be daunting, with the transition from idea to launch often appearing messy and complicated. Good Ideas was born from a deep-seated desire to support individuals in this challenging space, fostering a close-knit community of entrepreneurs at similar stages of development. Together, they learn, grow, and collaborate, nurturing their ideas.
Want to join our 2026 cohort of changemakers?
- Do you have the spark of a good idea but not sure how to get it off the ground?
- Are you craving headspace and time to work on your idea?
- Do you want to make meaningful connections, support others, and be supported by peers on a similar journey?
- Are you ready to make change happen?
What to expect
You can find the programme overview here. And gain inspiration from alumni stories in our 10-year impact report.
The programme includes 12 core classes, alongside opportunities to connect with the wider social innovation ecosystem, a class trip and social, and a final showcase where you’ll have the opportunity to share your idea.
As a bonus, all Good Ideas participants will be able to cowork for free at The Melting Pot during the course. This offers valuable headspace and time to work on your projects, catch up with class peers and become part of a growing community of purpose driven businesses.
The seven-month programme begins on Friday 13 November 2026 and runs until Friday 21 May 2027, with the final showcase taking place on Thursday 3 June 2027.
All core sessions will take place in person at The Melting Pot in Edinburgh, and participants are expected to commit to attending all core sessions and the showcase.
The full value of the Good Ideas Programme is £750, which has been subsidised to £75 for participants. If this contribution would be a barrier to taking part, we encourage you to let us know in your application.
The cost has been subsidised due to The Melting Pot investing profits from our consultancy service and a small grant from the GEM Trust.
Core Session Dates
| 13-Nov | Fri | Class 1 |
| 27-Nov | Fri | Class 2 |
| 11-Dec | Fri | Class 3 |
| 8-Jan | Fri | Class 4 |
| 22-Jan | Fri | Class 5 |
| 5-Feb | Fri | Class 6 |
| 26-Feb | Fri | Class 7 |
| 12-Mar | Fri | Class 8 |
| 2-Apr | Fri | Class 9 |
| 23-Apr | Fri | Class 10 |
| 7-May | Fri | Class 11 |
| 21-May | Fri | Class 12 |
Event Dates
| 27-May | Thur | Ecosystem Connector Session |
| 3-Jun | Thur | Class Showcase |
Ready to develop your good idea?
If you have an idea you believe could make a positive difference and are ready to explore what it could become, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications are open until Wednesday 14th October 2026.
“Support from Good Ideas was a key, fundamental step in launching us and making our charity a success.”
MARY SHARPE
THE REWARD FOUNDATION
“At a personal level, entrepreneurship can be quite a lonely road, so having other people through Good Ideas that really understand this to talk to and get advice from was hugely significant.”
CHRIS HELLAWELL
THE TOOL LIBRARY
“Good Ideas was the catalyst to making my social business idea a reality. Most valuable to me was having dedicated time to do things... Having a weekly workshop means that you have the mental and physical space to dedicate to your idea.”
ZAKIA MOULAOUI
INVISIBLE CITIES
“I most remember the passion and enthusiasm the team had for social enterprise. I always came away from the sessions energised!”
LOUISE IRVINE
PRIDE OUTSIDE
“Good Ideas helped to take a wideranging concept and distil it into tangible ideas and action points.”
ROBERT SPROUL-CRAN
HIGHLAND CREATIVE RETREATS
“Good Ideas basically helped to solidify the idea, look at the audience and do some initial tests... Thanks to that, I was convinced that there was a potential for Wee Seeds to become a business.”
CHRISTINA CRAN
WEE SEEDS
“Good Ideas was absolutely pivotal. I describe it as taking me to the edge of the cliff and giving me the necessary push/prompt to jump. I'm aware this doesn't sound like the most positive metaphor (!), but that exciting bit where you don't know where/how you're going to land is what launching a start-up is like.”
RHIANNON DAVIES
GREATER GOVANHILL CIC