After having to postpone events in 2020 and 2021, Social Enterprise Scotland are extremely excited to return this year.

Applications have opened for this year’s Social Enterprise Awards Scotland as the in-person event returns for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic started.

The awards, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland (SES), will celebrate the work of social enterprises in Scotland and the impact they have had.

The ceremony is an opportunity to showcase the best of the sector and highlight the active role that social enterprises play in building places and supporting communities, and the positive impact they have on the environment and wellbeing.

SES was unable to hold a physical awards event in 2020 and 2021, and instead organised a digital showcase to recognise the impact the sector had throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, its annual awards will return this year with an in-person ceremony due to take place in the autumn.

Chris Martin, chief executive of Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “After a change to our awards programme in 2020 and 2021, we are looking forward to celebrating the innovation, impact and successes of Scotland’s social enterprises with the return of an in-person ceremony this autumn.

“These awards are an opportunity for social enterprises around Scotland to showcase the incredible work they do, and the impact they have had.

“Scotland has a great mix of social enterprises which are helping to build an inclusive society and economy, and we have no doubt that the standard of applications will be extremely high.”

There are six categories to apply for: Social Enterprise of the Year Scotland, One to Watch, Market Builder Award, Health and Social Care Award, Environmental Social Enterprise and Social Enterprise Champion.

More information on how to apply is available at socialenterpriseawards.scot, with applications closing at 9am on Monday, July 18.