Forth Valley Social Enterprise Network: June 2026 Meeting

Forth Valley Social Enterprise Network (FVSEN) is a network of social enterprises working across Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, who believe social enterprise can transform the economic, environmental, social, and cultural life within the Forth Valley.

The Network is pleased to invite members, partners, and local organisations to our next meeting to be held on Thursday 18 June 2026, 10am –12:30pm, at the Golden Lion Hotel, 8 – 10 King Street, Stirling, FK8 1BD.

In addition to bringing together local social enterprises to share experience, learning, and practical support, the June meeting will feature a presentation introducing the Accelerate Programme delivered by Community Enterprise Scotland, along speakers from Forth Valley social enterprises.

FVSEN is a membership network promoting and supporting social enterprises across Forth Valley, facilitated by our team at CVS Falkirk & District, along with our Forth Valley counterparts at CTSI and SVE.

Meeting Overview

The morning will begin at 10am with arrival, tea, coffee, and pastries. This informal start offers time to meet other members and make connections.

• Creative Stirling CIC

Following welcome and introductions, attendees from will hear from Joe Hall, founder and director of Creative Stirling CIC.  Joe will focus on the founding and development of Creative Stirling as a social enterprise, sharing how the organisation started, the motivations behind it, and the challenges and learning along the way.

“This session will give a real, honest insight into building a social enterprise rooted in the Stirling community.”

There will then be a Q&A session, followed by group reflection and shared learning, giving attendees the chance to discuss key themes and relate them to their own work.

• The Accelerate Programme with Community Enterprise Scotland

The second half of the session will feature a presentation introducing the Accelerate Programme delivered by Community Enterprise Scotland. Accelerate is a national programme providing tailored business support, mentoring and development opportunities designed to help third sector organisations grow by being more innovative and entrepreneurial, to become more sustainable.

The session will outline the aims and structure of the programme and share examples of Accelerate’s work. The presentation will conclude with another Q&A, as an opportunity for network members to explore how the programme could support their ambitions, and next steps.

The event will close with networking, providing further designated space to make connections, share ideas, and explore future collaboration.

Why Should You Attend FVSEN?

• Hear first-hand experience of founding and growing a social enterprise.
• Learn from shared reflection with peers across the sector.
• Find out about support available through the Accelerate programme.
• Build new connections in a supportive, informal setting.

FVSEN events are designed to be welcoming, practical, and useful, whatever stage your organisation is at.

Book Your Place and Further Information

To book your place, or for further information, please visit the dedicated Eventbrite page (linked for your convenience).

Alternatively, visit the FVSEN Online Directory to find out about the businesses operating across Falkirk District, Stirling, and Clackmannanshire.

To find out more about FVSEN and social enterprise in your area, please contact:

• Falkirk District: Euan Robertson, by email: robertson@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
• Stirling: Lee Stevenson, by email: leestevenson@sventerprise.org.uk
• Clackmannanshire: Eve Handyside, by email: handyside@ctsi.org.uk