Social Enterprise Scotland

Are you helping to create more opportunities for social enterprises?

The Buy Social Scotland Market Builder Award at the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland celebrates a p***c or private sector organisation, social enterprise or ecosystem partner that is opening doors through procurement, supply chain development, or partnerships that increase spending with social enterprises.

If your organisation is making it easier for social enterprises to thrive, this is your chance to showcase your impact and inspire other organisations.

Applications close in just over 2 weeks! Start your entry today 👉 https://zurl.co/Wz4qn

We're so excited to see you all tomorrow for the Social Enterprise Summit 2026!👏

It's almost time for this year's Summit, and we'd love to take this opportunity to platform our generous sponsors, without whom, this event would not be possible. Aside from their generosity, they are also excellent resources for social enterprises, so please take the time to have a look at what they offer 👉

The Challenges Group supports impact-led enterprises to reach their full potential to deliver more of their impact.

Inspiralba supports the economic growth and delivers social and environmental benefits to communities across Scotland.

Impact Hub Inverness is a flexible co-working space in the centre of Inverness established to support local businesses, combat social isolation and encourage collaboration and social entrepreneurship.

Firstport the first port of call for social entrepreneurs in Scotland. Offering free advice, if you have an idea with a positive social or environmental impact, Firstport are here to help.

Social Investment Scotland provide loan finance aimed at community enterprises and social businesses that might find access to finance from mainstream providers difficult.

Community Enterprise is a leading social enterprise and community development consultancy, and national support provider.

Enterprise is the go-to source of support for social enterprises and enterprising Third Sector organisations in Scotland - providing tailored one-to-one business support.

Foundation Scotland works with funders, donors and philanthropists who want to support and strengthen the building blocks of these communities.

Democratic Finance Scotland supportS community-led organisations to explore and use alternative methods of raising finance to start or grow democratic community enterprises or purchase sustainable community assets.

Find out more information on our website 🔗 https://zurl.co/Dh8Ws

📣 Share your experiences and thoughts around flexible working!

Join us and Flexible Working Scotland on Wednesday 1 July, for an open discussion to help shape our response to the UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee.
We are particularly keen to hear from social enterprises and disabled people about their experiences, challenges, ideas, and priorities around flexible working.

Your insights will help ensure the voices and experiences of Scotland’s social enterprise community, and disabled people are reflected in this important national conversation.

Find out more and book your spot 👉 https://zurl.co/ys2jc.

We have some exciting news to share. BAM have signed the ...and have become a sponsor member of Social Enterprise Scotland! 🎉

BAM join over 50 organisations committed to supporting Scotland's social enterprises and using their purchasing power as a force for positive social and environmental impact.

Speaking of the announcement, Douglas Stewart, Commercial Director at BAM said “BAM UK&I has signed Social Enterprise Scotland’s Buy Social Pledge, marking the start of work to identify more inclusive commercial opportunities for social enterprises and local suppliers within Scotland’s growing energy infrastructure sector.”

We look forward to working with BAM and celebrating the impact that can be achieved when businesses choose to buy with purpose.

Read the article 👉 https://zurl.co/UzOVo

✨ Meet Highland Thrive CIC in our latest Spotlight!

Highland Thrive CIC launched last month with one goal: breaking down barriers for people and communities in the Highlands to access opportunities. This community-focused social enterprise builds skills, confidence and long-term resilience.

We welcomed Luke Watson, Highland Thrive's Managing Director, to hear all about their motivation, goals and challenges.

Read it here 👉 https://zurl.co/WUcpE

✨ Volunteers' Week is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible individuals who give their time and skills to make a difference in our communities.

Do you know an outstanding volunteer who goes above and beyond? Now is the time to recognise their contribution by nominating them for the Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion Award at this year's Social Enterprise Awards Scotland.

Volunteers are at the very heart of our sector helping to create positive change and supporting communities. The Volunteer Champion Award shines a spotlight on those whose dedication inspires others and makes a difference.

And it's not just Volunteers you can nominate! If you work with someone who consistently goes the extra mile, why not nominate them for the Social Enterprise Employee Champion Award?

What does the new parliament mean for your social enterprise? 💭

Following the recent Holyrood election, we have a brand-new parliament with many opportunities for social enterprises to influence and drive policy change! Join us to discuss what this means for you.
We'll also be talking about our own plans and what we hope to achieve for our members over the next year.

📆 Wednesday 10 June
🕛 11am - 12:15pm
📍 Online

Book your place now 👉🔗 https://zurl.co/8rgPI

📢 Get to know Kanzen for Life !

As part of the Social Enterprise Summit Scotland 2026, we're highlighting some of our amazing members doing the work in our host city - Dundee.

This learning exchange offers participants the opportunity to explore the impactful work of last year's People’s Choice Award winner 🏆, Kanzen for Life, and gain insight into Dundee’s vibrant social enterprise landscape. The visit will include a short presentation focusing on their education strand and investment in the young workforce, highlighting how they support individuals into positive pathways through physical activity and learning.

⏰ 12pm - 3pm
📅 16 June
📍 Dundee
🔗 https://zurl.co/e6WC6

Funded through the Scottish Community Alliance, travel, accommodation, and subsistence can be covered up to a certain amount. This can also be used to assist in costs to attending the Summit on the following day.

📢 Do you still need to get your ticket for the Social Enterprise Summit Scotland 2026?

It's your final chance - tickets are closing this Sunday, so be sure to get yours before it is too late! Join us to spend a day celebrating, reflecting and connecting on the impact of social enterprise in Scotland.

We'll be joined by some incredible social enterprises, engaging speakers and plenty of opportunities for networking and connecting with other people in the sector.

👉🔗 https://zurl.co/hspM9

Dundee Social Enterprise Network | Impact Hub Inverness | Just Enterprise | Firstport | The Challenges Group | InspirAlba | Foundation Scotland | Community Enterprise | Social Investment Scotland | Democratic Finance Scotland