Area is a social enterprise hotspot

Stirling, and the wider Forth Valley area, have been officially recognised as hotspots of social enterprise activity.

Several Stirling based social enterprises were highlighted in the latest round of the Social Enterprise Places programme run by Social Enterprise Scotland.

They included Grace Chocolates in Bridge of Allan, who provide training and work experience opportunities for women who have experienced the criminal justice system, and Dial-ajourney who provide accessible and affordable transport to residents of Falkirk, Stirling and

Clackmannanshire areas.

Over 180 social enterprises operate in the Forth Valley area.

These socially minded businesses invest profits back into good causes or the local community. The Social Enterprise Places Scotland programme promotes, raises awareness and builds markets for social enterprises at both a local and national level.

Natalie Masterson, chief officer at SVE said:“stirling, and the Forth Valley area have always had thriving social enterprises– especially in more rural communities. The Forth Valley Social Enterprise Network (FVSEN) and its online directory is bringing these wide-ranging social enterprises together. Through that process we have seen more peer networking, increased awareness of other social enterprises, and a steady growth of newly established social enterprises.

“We hope that being named as a social enterprise hotspot encourages people to find out more about the social enterprises all around them and use their spending power to make change in local communities.”

Find out what social enterprises are near you by visiting the Forth Valley Social Enterprise Directory at fvsen. scot