This is a growing area for us, and much of the country. There's strong support for social enterprise in many quarters, including the Scottish Government.

When talking about social enterprise we come across issues of language and definitions. Here at the Falkirk Third Sector Interface, we're less concerned about definitions and barriers - we'll work with, and support, any organisation which operates within the third sector. Some organisations don't meet certain definitions of a social enterprise but are clearly socially enterprising. We're focussing on promoting a more business-like approach and therefore, prefer to talk about being more socially enterprising.

Establishing, or becoming, a 'strict' social enterprise organisation isn't the right model for every organisation, service or idea but it will be a good way forward for many. We're keen to support organisations to take informed decisions and to be successful, regardless of structures and definitions.

We aim to support more socially enterprising organisations than ever before and will do this with support from national partners through, for example, the Just Enterprise program.

Another key development for us locally, is the establishment of the Falkirk Social Enterprise Forum which started at the end of 2011. We work with local, interested social entrepreneurs, volunteers and existing organisations and staff members to develop a place where we can share practice, network and promote a more socially enterprising approach.

We continue to support local people to engage in social enterprise and socially enterprising activities in Falkirk and beyond, bring training and specialist support and expertise into the Falkirk area and to increase the profile and activity of social enterprises locally.

You may also find the following pages relevant:
Starting a Social Enterprise
Support for Social Enterprise
Falkirk Social Enterprise Forum