Support

Support for social enterprises

A growing sector in the region

Social enterprises are big business. Over 88,000 jobs are supported by the sector in Scotland and it contributes £2.6bn GVA. A third of Scotland’s social enterprises are in rural areas. There are more than 1,200 social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands. 

Across the HIE area social enterprises own and manage land, including whole estates and islands, harness renewable energy technologies, create employment, undertake infrastructure projects and provide an increasingly diverse range of essential services.

We work with social enterprises in much the same way as businesses, while recognising their unique social purpose. They can access our full range of support including advice, funding, property and innovation opportunities, with an understanding that success is measured not only in financial growth but also in social and environmental impact. Our aim is to help social enterprises achieve long-term sustainability while creating meaningful benefits for their communities.

2024 Social Enterprise Census

The Social Enterprise Census is part of a 10-year commitment by the Scottish Government to track the development of the sector. This fourth and final census confirms what communities in the Highlands and Islands have long known: social enterprises are a driving force for Scotland’s inclusive economy, creating jobs, supporting communities, and generating lasting economic and social value.

Key findings for the Highlands and Islands include:

• There are 1,274 social enterprises are based in the Highlands and Islands - maintaining a strong presence in rural and island communities 
• These employ 7,295 full-time equivalent employees (up from 7,228 in 2021)
• The net worth of our regions social enterprises is £745 million (up from £677 million in 2021)
• 92% of our social enterprises now pay the Real Living Wage – surpassing the national average of 88%

Read the full report on the Social Enterprise Census website.

Community owned development

In addition to the business services available to social enterprises, we also work with community led organisations to support community project planning, asset ownership, fund management and more.

If your enterprise is part of a wider community-led development find out the other ways we can help.

Support for community organisations

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