Social Enterprise in Perth and Kinross

An Alternative Business Model

Social enterprise is a dynamic way of doing business that can transform communities and drive profound and lasting social change.

As businesses which maximise community benefit over personal financial gain, social enterprises deliver solutions that are bigger, better, bolder and fit for twenty-first century Scotland. Bigger because they deliver joined-up social, environmental and economic outcomes. Better because they are community-focused and sustainable. Bolder because their independence enables social enterprises to be innovative and ambitious.

The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition believes that with the right support social enterprise can become an established way of doing business and an integral part of the Scottish economy.

What is Social Enterprise?

Social enterprises are dynamic businesses that exist for a social purpose. They have clear social aims, trade in competitive markets, and use their profits primarily to support their social purpose.

Social enterprise is incredibly diverse and includes co-operatives, credit unions, housing associations, community development trusts, social firms and community-owned businesses. Many operate in growing markets like recycling, renewable energy, tourism services, health and social care.

There are many benefits to the social enterprise approach. It can help the economy grow, deliver high quality public services, transform communities, create jobs for people excluded from mainstream employment and help make sustainable development a reality at community level. Social enterprises should be seen as pioneers, developing the business model of the future. The sector is growing and evolving and will have many new opportunities in years to come.

Social Enterprise in Scotland

Scotland is home to a number of outstanding social enterprises. Government research suggests there are at least 3,000 social enterprises in Scotland, employing more than 30,000 people and adding £2.0 - £2.5 billion to the national economy.

In 2007, the Scottish Government published its first dedicated strategy for social enterprise. It included plans to improve business support and finance options for social enterprises, help them to access new markets and raise the sector's profile with key audiences. This is now being implemented by the SNP administration's new three year action plan for an enterprising third sector.