Why Should I Apply for the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland?
Posted: 07 June 2019, in News
Why should I apply for the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland?
All applications and info for the awards is at: socialenterpriseawards.scot – deadline Sunday 7 July 2019.
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.
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.
Niall McShannon, Managing Director of CCI Scotland, Social Enterprise of the Year 2018:
“Winning
the Scottish Social Enterprise of the Year was fantastic recognition of
the hard work of our participants, staff, board and our wider
community. While it has been a major boost to our profile and really
helpful with marketing and sales for our products and services, the most
important outcome has been the pride, confidence and pleasure that
everyone involved with CCI has taken from such high profile
acknowledgement.”
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 online at: socialenterpriseawards.scot – deadline Sunday 7 July.
Duncan Thorp, Social Enterprise Scotland
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