Greyfriars Charteris, 8th November, 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Come celebrate Scotland’s vibrant social enterprise community and the incredible work being done to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion! This interactive event will showcase inspiring social enterprises and offer dynamic discussions on the challenges and opportunities they face. Network, learn, and leave with new ideas on how we can build a more inclusive future together.

Event Agenda:

9:30 AM | Arrival, Coffee & Networking
Grab a coffee and meet fellow attendees. Get ready to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the movers and shakers in the social enterprise world!

10:00 AM | Welcome & Introduction
Welcome and overview of the day’s theme—celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion within Scotland’s social enterprise ecosystem.

10:10 AM | Social Enterprise Celebration & Showcase

Spotlight Speakers (7-minute talks):

  • Pav Stewart, Passion 4 Social CIC
    Hear how this innovative creative agency employs disabled individuals and people from diverse backgrounds, proving that inclusion fuels creativity and impact. Operating across Scotland since 2018, Passion 4 Social is on a mission to unlock the potential of every person they work with.
  • Serena Jones, Jones and Us
    Founded in 2019, this community powerhouse transforms the lives of those with learning disabilities, neurodiversity, and mental health challenges. Discover how they use specialized sports and fitness programs to uplift and empower.
  • TBC

10:30 AM | Roundtable Discussions & Expert Presentations

Access to Finance
Speaker: Bayile Adeoti, Dechomai
Explore the barriers ethnic minority social entrepreneurs face when seeking financial support. Bayile will present the groundbreaking Access Report, lifting the lid on these challenges and offering insights on navigating the social investment landscape.

11:10 AM | Business Support
Speaker: Ellis Beardsmore (they/them), Pride Outside
Dive into the social enterprise support ecosystem with Ellis as they share practical tips and strategies to help social enterprises thrive in today’s market.

11:55 AM | Closing Remarks
Wrap up the session with key takeaways.