Support for social enterprises

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.