Social enterprises are businesses that trade goods or services with the aim of creating positive social or environmental change. While they operate like traditional businesses and aim to make a profit, what sets them apart is how they use those profits—reinvesting or donating them to benefit their communities.
Aberdeenshire has seen a growing number of social enterprises emerge, often started by individuals seeking a better work-life balance through purpose-driven entrepreneurship. These businesses may take various legal forms, including Sole Trader, Community Interest Company (CIC), Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG), or Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).
A social enterprise is defined by its commitment to trading, its aspiration for financial independence, and its clear social or environmental mission. Key features include an asset lock to ensure profits are reinvested, and a dissolution clause that protects the organisation’s purpose if it winds up.
AVA offers tailored support to help you explore, launch, and grow your social enterprise. We can provide one-to-one guidance on business planning, governance models, and legal structures. We also help connect you with the wider Aberdeenshire social enterprise network, share training and funding opportunities, and offer strategic support to help you scale your impact.
So whether you're just starting out or looking to grow an existing enterprise, AVA is here to support your journey.
AVA Social Enterprise Forum
Our Social Enterprise Forums are held every 6 months. The forums will enable you to:-
- Connect with each other to enable partnership working and improve cross-sector collaboration.
- Build your capacity by accessing AVA’s support services, THRIVE (training platform) and external training opportunities.
- Share your knowledge and experience by building a community of like-minded groups/organisations.
- Contribute to strategic, local, and national agendas by bringing your voice to the table.
If you would like to be kept up to date with forum activities please complete this form
Aberdeenshire Social Enterprise Network
AVA have recently developed an Aberdeenshire Social Enterprise Network (SEN) to connect like-minded Social Entrepreneurs. The network meet every 2 months and is currently happening online. If you would like to join the Aberdeenshire SEN you can register here.
