Social Enterprise

Social Enterprises are organisations who aim to make a profit just like any private sector business, however all profits or surpluses are always reinvested back into the social and environmental purposes of the organisation.

According to research commissioned* by The Big Lottery Fund in 2013 , there are approximately 3,500 social enterprises operating across Scotland, with 25% of them located in the Highland and Islands.  Social Enterprises  represent 2.4% of all businesses within Scotland.  The survey identified the most common  sectors for Social Enterprises to operate in are:

• Health and social care
• Regeneration and local development
• Employability
• The provision and management of community facilities
• Care for the environment and recycling
• Leisure and tourism
• Art and culture

Voluntary Action Lochaber supports Social Enterprises regarding their governance, community consultation, project development, legal structures and with relevant policies and procedures.

Additional support services are available from our Partners and others in Lochaber:

Social Enterprise Scotland (SEA)

Highland and Islands Social Enterprise Zone (HISEZ)

Business Gateway

HIE Lochaber

Voluntary Action Lochaber can provide  1:1 support, advice and encouragement to those interested in developing their Social Enterprise ideas.  This includes access to our  Community Accountancy Service.

*Social Enterprise Mapping Study