‘Shop Social’ this Christmas

Over £396,000 in additional funding has been announced today to support the delivery of eight new social enterprise programmes.

Since the launch of Scotland’s ten-year Social Enterprise Strategy in December 2016, more than £14 million has been invested to encourage the growth of social enterprises. 

There are more than 5,600 social enterprises across Scotland.  They trade for the common good, addressing social needs, strengthening communities, improving people’s life chances and protecting the environment.   

One of the programmes receiving additional funding is a ‘Social Enterprise Retail Academy’ aimed at getting more products into shops. 

Meanwhile, a new website (www.shopsocialscotland.com) has been set up giving ideas for social enterprise presents this Christmas.

Together with a new marketing campaign coordinated by Social Enterprise Scotland, the funding will help raise awareness of social enterprises locally and nationally and tap into a growing desire from consumers to buy ethically.

The funding will expand the impact which this innovative sector can have on reducing inequality, working with communities to tackle tough social issues at source .

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said:

 “Social enterprises are a vital partner in our communities and support ethical and worthwhile causes. We want them to achieve their full potential by ensuring they have access to the right resources, knowledge and networks.

 “Particularly in the run-up to Christmas and ahead of Fair Saturday this weekend, I would encourage shoppers to support their local social enterprises and businesses and shop ethically for Christmas gifts. A purchase really could have an impact on a local social cause.”

 Founder of the Scottish Design Exchange Lynzi Leroy said:

“The Scottish Design Exchange exists to provide a space where local artists and designers, and social enterprise businesses, can sell direct to customers on the High Street. By supporting us and other social enterprise businesses at Christmas, you will not only have a direct impact on the local economy, you also help to fund businesses that are working hard for social causes.” 

Background:

Social Enterprise Census 2019 Delivered by Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEiS) to map the size, shape and needs of Scotland's social enterprise sector.

Social Enterprise Retail Academy Delivered by Social Investment Scotland, to support social enterprises get more products into shops.

Social Impact Investment Partnership Delivered by The Growth Partnership, to raise awareness and facilitate more innovative models of social investment.

Internationalising Social Enterprise Programme To support social enterprises with the plans and potential to scale their impact on the world stage.

Social Impact Online Learning Delivered by Social Value Lab, to trial a new online learning programme about measuring social impact aimed at social entrepreneurs.

Bridge 2 Business Delivered by Young Enterprise Scotland, to provide social enterprise learning and coaching in Scotland's colleges.

What If delivered by Firstport, to take forward a place-based project in North Edinburgh, connecting community leaders with business support and mentors.

Social Enterprise Awareness Raising Campaign Coordinated by Social Enterprise Scotland, to raise awareness of social enterprise locally and nationally, tapping into a growing desire from consumers to buy ethically.

Publication: ‘Building a sustainable social enterprise sector in Scotland’