Social Enterprise
Watch this space for information on the Social Enterprise Support Program, grants of up to £5000 available via EDVA.
Application process and dates will be confirmed shortly.
Social Enterprises are businesses that are changing the world for the better.
Social enterprises' are businesses set up to help with a common good. For example, they can help:
with a social need – for example providing health or social care
strengthen a community – for example running a community centre
improve people's life chances – for example creating opportunities to learn skills
to protect the environment
Next Steps
You must choose a business structure if you’re starting a business that helps people or communities (a ‘social enterprise’).
If you want to set up a business that has social, charitable or community-based objectives, you can set up as a:
charity, or from 2013, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO)
community interest company (CIC)
If you’re setting up a small organisation like a sports club or a voluntary group and do not plan to make a profit, you can form an ‘unincorporated association’ instead of starting a business.
If you require support, Advice, information and guidance materials for social enterprises please contact Graham Branscombe .
How EDVA can help
Signpost to other agencies for enterprising support (Senscot, Firstport, Social Enterprise Academy, Just Enterprise)
One-to-one meeting with EDVA Development Officer to discuss social enterprise modelling and social enterprise start-up support
Provide templates and specimen documents for you to complete and create generic and bespoke training opportunities for our member enterprises and other external stakeholders
We operate an effective Strategic Social Economy Partnership which provides the opportunity for local social enterprises to contribute to, shape and influence local outcomes and priorities
We raise awareness of the role and added value of social enterprises with opinion formers, decision makers and the wider public
We represent the interests of social enterprises within East Dunbartonshire through effective advocating and negotiation within East Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership and Health and Social Care Partnership
We work towards building the capacity and confidence of our members as individuals and as social entrepreneurs
We foster a culture of mutual support and co-operation amongst social enterprises in East Dunbartonshire
East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action is not responsible for the content of external sites
DEFINING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN SCOTLAND
There is currently no legal definition of "social enterprise". A 5-point criteria were formed in 2010 by social enterprise support bodies as an alternative.
Social enterprises trade in many markets - selling goods and services to individual consumers, local authorities, government and private businesses. Social enterprises aim to make a profit just like any private sector business. However, 100% of their profits or surpluses are reinvested back into their social and/or environmental purpose. Social enterprises in Scotland have an "asset lock" on all their buildings, land and other assets i.e. only the community and society can profit from their work. Social enterprises must be sustainable in order to meet their social and/or environmental mission.
The term "social enterprise" shouldn't be confused with private businesses that simply operate in an ethical way, charities that don't do business (or trade very little) or public sector arms-length companies (ALEOs), though some of these may be on a journey as "emerging" social enterprises. The Voluntary Code of Practice for Social Enterprise in Scotland contains the full criteria.
As previously mentioned there is no legal definition. Definitions vary across the world and even within the UK. We believe in being inclusive and appreciating the value of other types of organisation - while being very clear about what we mean by "social enterprise". A robust debate about definitions, within a constantly evolving business landscape, is something we welcome.
