Find information here on the support available for social enterprises.
Practical business support
Accelerate is a support programme for the Third Sector and community organisations. Support is FREE and aims to help groups and organisations become more sustainable and enterprising.
Business Gateway West Lothian
Offers all general business support
Community Enterprise is an organisation dedicated to supporting and developing social enterprises and community-led initiatives. They offer a range of services including business development, funding advice, and capacity building to help communities thrive.
Just Enterprise
A consortium of 10 specialist sector organisations, with a wealth of experience in launching and developing social enterprises across Scotland.
Firstport
Resource for practical start-up advice and support.
Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's national economic development agency, they facilitate business innovation and scaling to drive transformation within Scotland's economy.
Social investment & funding
Stay updated with the latest news and developments on funding opportunities within the third sector.
Access a free portal offering information on over 500 funding sources across the UK to support local voluntary organisations.
The National Lottery Community Fund
Discover the most recent funding opportunities available.
Social Investment Scotland (SIS)
Offers business loans specifically for Third Sector organisations.
Provide a source of social investment funding.
Explore innovative methods for funding social enterprises.
Legal
Offers free legal advice for non-profits, including social enterprises.
Marketing, media, promotion and PR
Take a look at social enterprises in action
The Guardian - Sustainable Business
Publishes social enterprise news stories
Publishes social enterprise news stories
Social Enterprise Support Map
The Social Enterprise Support Map is a free online tool that helps social enterprises, community groups, and third-sector organisations in Scotland find the support they need. It categorises support listings by type, stage, location, and sector, making it easier to connect with relevant resources for starting, sustaining, and growing their impact.
Visit www.sesupportmap.scot today to discover the support available to help you achieve your goals and make a lasting impact.
Other Support
Information on choosing a business structure and setting up a Social Enterprise.
Social Enterprise Scotland is the collective and campaigning voice of social enterprise, and provides access to Scotland’s social enterprise community
The national membership, support, policy and campaigning body for all social enterprises in Scotland
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national body representing the interests of charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises in Scotland. It provides support, resources, and advocacy to help these organisations thrive and contribute to society.
Development Trusts Association Scotland
Local community-led regeneration organisations
UK regulator for all CICs
Regulating the financial conduct of over 70,000 businesses#
Offices of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
The Offices of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is the independent regulator and registrar for Scottish charities
Other Useful Links:
https://www.gov.scot/policies/third-sector/social-enterprises/
