The Social Enterprise Awards Scotland are back for 2023, celebrating the incredible work and impact of social enterprises across the country.

The awards are a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector, highlighting the agility, ability and active role that social enterprises play in building places, supporting communities and making a positive impact on our environment and wellbeing.

Applications for the 2023 Social Enterprise Awards Scotland are now closed for the 2023 Awards! All Social Enterprises that operate in Scotland or individuals that work/volunteer in Scotland were eligible to enter.

This year, three new categories have been introduced providing further opportunities for social enterprises and those who work with them to be recognised for their impact. These are: ‘Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice Award’; ‘Tech for Good Award’; ‘Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion Award’.

These are in addition to the existing six award categories, which are ‘Social Enterprise of the Year Scotland Award’, ‘One to Watch Award’, ‘Buy Social – Market Builder Award’, ‘Health and Social Care Award’, ‘Environmental Social Enterprise Award’ and ‘Social Enterprise Employee Champion Award’.

Kim Wallace, Deputy CEO at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating the innovation and impact of Scotland’s social enterprises this autumn at our in-person Social Enterprise Awards ceremony. From the Highlands and Islands to the central belt and south of Scotland, Scotland’s social enterprises are building a stronger, fairer, and more just society from the ground up. These awards are a fantastic opportunity for social enterprises around Scotland to showcase and gain much deserved recognition for the incredible work that they do. Get your applications in now!”

Entries for 2023 are now closed. We now progress to judging and will be in contact will all applicants in due course. Good luck!

The winners will be announced at an evening ceremony in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26th October hosted by Beatrice Wishart MSP for Shetland Islands Constituency. The next key date for the Awards is Thursday 30th November where the SES Team and six category winners head to the UK Social Enterprise (SEUK) Awards Ceremony. Those finalists who are automatically shortlisted in the relevant SEUK Main Award category will join the main judging to see if they can also scoop a UK award. Exciting!

Take part in the conversation online by using the hashtag #SocEntScotAwards23. Share your stories of impact and help us build on this experience for the social enterprise sector moving forwards.