Helpful Links and Info
CDFIs are independent organisations that provide loans and support to businesses and individuals. As the trade association for CDFIs, the CDFA’s mission is to grow, support and strengthen the sector.
Community Energy Scotland http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/index.asp
Our aim is to build confidence, resilience and wealth at community level in Scotland through sustainable energy development. Community Recycling Network Scotland http://www.crns.org.uk/index/index
The CRNS is a membership body for community recycling organisations throughout Scotland. We provide information, advice and support to both existing and emerging community recyclers. Development Trusts Association Scotland http://www.dtascot.org.uk/
DTAS is the national body for development trusts in Scotland. Discover the fast growing network of development trusts in Scotland and the real difference they are making to the communities in which they are based. First Port http://www.firstport.org.uk/
They work to identify, advise, connect, encourage and seed fund new start social entrepreneurs. Highlands and Islands Enterprise http://www.hie.co.uk/
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for a diverse region which covers more than half of Scotland. HIE aims to build sustainable economic growth in all parts of the Highlands and Islands. Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise Zone http://www.hisez.co.uk/
The Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise Zone (HISEZ) is a social enterprise support agency based in Inverness, covering the Highlands and Islands from Argyll & Bute to Orkney & Shetland. Highland Opportunity Ltd http://www.highland-opportunity.com/
Business advice and training services and practical business support activities such as serviced business space, European trade connections and access to public sector contract opportunities. Scottish Enterprise http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/sedotcom_home.htm
We are Scotland's main economic, enterprise, innovation and investment agency. Our ultimate goal is to stimulate sustainable growth of Scotland’s economy. Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition http://www.scottishsocialenterprise.org.uk/
The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition is the national collective voice for social enterprise in Scotland, and a strategic partner of the Scottish Government, bringing together social enterprise and its supporters into a strong force for change.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national body representing the voluntary sector. SCVO seeks to advance the values and shared interests of the voluntary sector.
Senscot http://www.senscot.net/
Senscot started in response to Scotland's many social problems - mainly concentrated in areas of chronic poverty. Our particular role is to recognise the contribution of individual leaders in tackling injustice and to support them and their endeavours. Social Enterprise Academy http://www.theacademy-ssea.org/
The Social Enterprise Academy was set up in 2004 as a responsive social business with the capacity to tailor learning and development for people working in, or towards, a leadership role in the social economy. Social Firms Scotland http://www.socialfirms.org.uk/home/home.asp
Social Firms Scotland is the national support body for the development and promotion of Social Firms in Scotland. Social Firms are a type of social enterprise that focus on work integration for severely disadvantaged people.