Social Enterprise Scotland has launched the 2024 Social Enterprise in Scotland Census, revealing the scale, impact, and growth of the sector over the past decade. The report was unveiled at the Social Enterprise Summit Scotland on 2 September 2025.
The census, the fourth and final under the Scottish Government’s 10-year social enterprise strategy, demonstrates how Scotland’s social enterprises have remained committed to fairness, sustainability, and equality, while driving inclusive economic growth and community wealth building.
Key Findings:
-
6,103 social enterprises across Scotland (+17.4% since 2015)
-
£2.89 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy (+41.7% since 2017)
-
£8 billion net worth (+107% since 2015)
-
90,050 full-time equivalent jobs (+10.7% since 2017)
-
33% of organisations in rural areas, strengthening local economies
Social Enterprise Scotland notes:
“Despite significant challenges over the past decade, Scotland’s social enterprises continue to innovate and adapt, demonstrating that business can be resilient and values-driven.”
The census tracks the development of social enterprise activity across Scotland, reporting on scale, reach, impact, and organisational characteristics. The 2024 census was coordinated by Diffley Partnership, with support from a project steering group and funding from the Scottish Government.
Read or download the full report: Social Enterprise Scotland website
