Resources · Posted December 2, 2024
Organisations in the UK who Support Social Innovators
Part of our role as Scotland’s Centre for Social Innovation is to signpost social innovators to further support. Here’s a wee directory of UK partners we know and trust to enhance your entrepreneurial journey.
Got a business idea that is good for people and/or the planet? Then congrats – you’re a social innovator! Get your idea off the ground with The Melting Pot’s Good Ideas incubator programme, or seek specific help or business advice from any of the organisations below.
Advice Direct Scotland
Advice Direct Scotland offers free 24/7 digital advice, providing reliable and up-to-date guidance on consumer rights, financial management and more. This supports social innovators in overcoming challenges, promoting social equity and improving wellbeing.
Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation
The Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation promotes effective social innovation practices through research, education and hands-on support to tackle global challenges and drive impactful change. Their resources provide access to a strong academic network and practical programmes that help develop sustainable and transformative solutions to social problems.
CEIS
CEIS Group is dedicated to advancing a more inclusive economy in Scotland by supporting businesses, communities and individuals with resources and strategic initiatives. CEIS offers valuable guidance and support for integrating social enterprises into Scotland’s economic and environmental goals, enhancing their impact and sustainability.
Community Enterprise
Community Enterprise has 35 years’ experience providing tailored support to social enterprises, community groups and charities to help them towards greater sustainability and effectiveness. Their team of experts help social innovators to overcome any challenges they might face in making their ideas become a reality and their organisation a long-term success.
Community Lab
Community Lab offers a digital platform designed to empower individuals, foster collaboration and drive positive impact by enabling meaningful interactions. This platform is valuable to social innovators by providing a free, open-access tool that supports community-driven change both online and offline.
Creative Edinburgh
Creative Edinburgh connects and supports the city’s creative community through events, career assistance and advocacy, fostering collaboration and growth across various creative sectors. Creative Edinburgh offers a vibrant network and resources to help develop and elevate creative projects and careers.
Firstport
Firstport positions itself as the first port of call for social entrepreneurs. They offer grant funding and one-to-one business advice, as well as investment readiness support and social investment products.
Scottish AI Alliance
The Scottish AI Alliance drives the implementation of Scotland’s AI Strategy through collaboration and action, making it a key resource for advancing AI initiatives across the country. The Scottish AI Alliance supports these goals by influencing policy, offering business assistance and providing resources supporting responsible AI practices.
Social Enterprise Academy
Social Enterprise Academy uses social franchising and impact partnerships to deliver global learning programmes that promote leadership and social entrepreneurship, fostering the exchange of best practices. The charity provides access to a network of shared knowledge and flexible collaboration, enhancing social innovators’ ability to lead effective social change.
Social Enterprise Scotland
Social Enterprise Scotland is an independent, membership-led organisation that supports the sector by advocating for supportive policies and promoting a positive vision. Their resources are useful for social innovators seeking a strong voice, guidance and a network to advance their social impact initiatives in Scotland.
Social Shifters
Social Shifters is an international charity dedicated to empowering young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to address social and environmental issues through skills development and support for impactful youth-led projects. This platform helps accelerate youth-driven sustainability initiatives and provides the tools and confidence needed to drive meaningful change.
The School for Social Entrepreneurs
The School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) helps individuals address significant societal issues by offering practical, hands-on learning, funding and mentoring to start and grow social enterprises. SSE provides valuable resources, including step-by-step guides on launching and funding social enterprises, which support effective social and environmental impact.
Social Innovation Connect
Social Innovation Connect aims to enhance the UK social innovation ecosystem by fostering regional connections and strengthening transnational ties across Europe. This initiative is valuable to social innovators as it provides access to a collaborative network, shared resources and best practices that accelerate social innovation work.
The Wellbeing Economy Alliance
The Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) is a collaboration of organisations and individuals dedicated to transitioning to a Wellbeing Economy that prioritises human and ecological wellbeing. WEAII provides a platform for collaboration and systemic transformation, enabling social innovators to contribute to and benefit from a more sustainable and equitable economy.
The Young Foundation
The Young Foundation focuses on combating inequality through research and community collaboration. The organisation offers resources and support for scaling impactful social ideas and forging partnerships to address social challenges effectively.
Young Women’s Movement
The Young Women’s Movement is Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, offering resources, networks and platforms to empower them in driving social change, making it a vital resource for social innovators focused on gender equality.
Mailing lists we recommend:
- Whats On Network whatsonnetwork.co.uk
- Campfire campfire.scot
- Social Enterprise Scotland socialenterprise.scot
If you’re an organisation who supports social innovators and you would like to feature on this list, please email us to be included.