A social enterprise is a business with a purpose beyond profit—trading sustainably to create positive social and environmental impact, reinvesting earnings to drive meaningful change in communities.
What is a Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business that trades to achieve a social or environmental purpose. Unlike traditional businesses that prioritise shareholder profit, social enterprises reinvest their earnings to drive positive change. They operate independently, generating most of their income through goods or services, with clear rules on reinvesting profits into their mission.
Social enterprises can take various forms, including community interest companies, charities, community benefit societies, or credit unions. They represent a dynamic, ethical, and sustainable way of doing business. In Scotland, over 6,000 social enterprises contribute £2.3 billion to the economy and support more than 88,000 jobs.
What We Do
VSGWL works in partnership with other social enterprise support agencies to provide a “one-stop shop” for enquiries.
VSGWL supports your social enterprise creation or development by helping you to:
- Understand the basic principles
- Decide on the best structure, get set up and start operating
- Examine whether your group could operate as a social enterprise
- Make plans which underpin best practice, sustainability and getting results
We also:
- Provide funding information and other news through our website and social media channels
- Host networking events that align with Social Enterprise organisations and people
- Provide Local Authorities, NHS procurement & Community Benefits support
VSGWL draws on a lot of help from other local and national delivery partners for Social Enterprise support.
To find out more, or make a support request, please use the buttons below:
- To request a call back to chat through your needs: Email us at socialenterprises@vsgwl.org
- If you are worried about your future sustainability or facing very severe challenges:
Crisis Recovery
For more information on setting up a social enterprise, please visit our Governance Toolkit.
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/
