A social enterprise is a business that trades for a social and/or environmental purpose. Many community food initiatives, like community shops and cafes, become social enterprises and aim to be at least partly self-sufficient.

Guides and toolkits

• Startbright
• A business planning guide to developing a social enterprise (PDF) (Forth Sector)
• Social Enterprise Toolbox for food-based social enterprises: includes Trading for success, a practical guide to marketing and financial management for community food enterprises (Making Local Food Work)

Where to go for more advice

• Just Enterprise: central hub for social enterprise start-up and development support; includes procurement support and learning and development opportunities
• First Port: provides support to start-up social entrepreneurs and social enterprises; they also run a joint awards programme with Scotland UnLtd to provide funding for start-ups
• Senscot: an independent network aimed at individuals working in frontline social enterprises in Scotland; their sister organisation, Networks 1st, offers support to geographical and thematic social enterprise networks
• Social Enterprise Scotland: a membership-led organisation representing the needs and interests of social enterprise to politicians, policy makers and opinion formers
• Co-operative Development Scotland: helps the development of new co-operatives and open up existing markets for established co-operatives
• Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise Zone (HISEZ): supports the growth of social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands region by providing expert support and advice and other services
• Chamber of Commerce: there are 21 chamber of commerce across Scotland providing a business-to-business support service; you can arrange for an appointment with a business advisor
• Business Gateway:  provides information on business compliance issues such as health and safety or tax; it also runs a number of networking and training opportunities free to businesses

Resources