Duncan Thorp says awards and an opportunity for everyone
Social Enterprise Scotland is calling for social enterprises from every community to step forward and apply for the Social Enterprise Awards 2019.
The awards are the biggest celebration of social enterprise in Scotland, recognising innovation, social impact and enterprising success.
The awards programme and evening celebration in The Scottish Parliament are well established in the social enterprise, third sector and business calendars.
There’s an opportunity for everyone - from the smallest enterprising charity to co-operatives, housing associations, development trusts and social enterprise supporters.
We look forward to receiving your brilliant applications. Get inspired, get motivated, recognise your achievements and apply today!
Duncan Thorp
The six categories include Social Enterprise Champion and Environmental Social Enterprise - plus One to Watch for those just starting out on the journey.
Public and private sector allies can apply to the Market Builder category, demonstrating any work they’re doing to support social enterprise growth and development.
If you’re a Scottish social enterprise then certainly it’s the logical first choice to get recognition for your many achievements.
If you’re transitioning to a social enterprise model (or you’ve just realised you are one!) then the awards are open to you too.
The question we often get asked is: why should I apply? What practical benefits would we get out of the awards? It’s a fair question and one worth answering:
* Marketing is essential for you to get customers and access new markets - being shortlisted or winning gives you a higher public and media profile.
*Get additional recognition for those you’re helping, whether it’s people with disabilities, young people, homeless people or ex-offenders.
* The awards promotes your social enterprise solutions to key audiences like investors, MSPs, local authorities and the Scottish Government.
* Award winners receive a unique artwork trophy, designed by a social enterprise - plus an exclusive ‘Finalist’ or ‘Winner’ logo to use on websites, leaflets, vehicles and offices - building relationships and reputation.
* The awards give you a profile beyond Scotland, as part of a programme recognised and promoted across the UK and abroad - with the opportunity to compete across the UK too.
* Winners get a free ticket to the big UK Social Enterprise Awards gala dinner in London.
Whether you win an award, you’re shortlisted or just applied - book a free place and join us for drinks, food and influential networking at The Scottish Parliament ceremony.
We believe that social entrepreneurs should have their achievements publicly recognised by their peers and also gain a bit of time to reflect on their positive impact.
We look forward to receiving your brilliant applications. Get inspired, get motivated, recognise your achievements and apply today!
All applications and info is available here and the deadline is Sunday, 7 July.
Duncan Thorp is policy and communications manager at Social Enterprise Scotland.
