Canadians and Scots in social enterprise deal

New partnership announced in Toronto by first minister

An international agreement to grow and sustain social enterprises in Scotland and Canada has been announced by Nicola Sturgeon on a visit to Toronto.

The Social Enterprise Academy (SEA), which provides learning and development for the sector in Scotland, has partnered with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) backed by Toronto’s Learning Enrichment Foundation and the Scottish Government.

The collaboration involves sharing expertise and skills relating to social enterprises – businesses creating positive change by reinvesting profits and finding innovative business models.

Ms Sturgeon revealed the partnership on a visit to West Neighbourhood House, a community organisation in downtown Toronto yesterday, the second day of her two-day visit to Canada.

She said: “Scotland and Canada are already known worldwide as social enterprise nations. Through this exciting partnership, we will be able to share our collective skills and expertise to support people tackling social and environmental challenges in communities at home and around the globe.”

Claire Wilson, head of the SEA Global Learning Lab, said CCEDNet is an “exciting new addition to our international network of partners”.

CCEDNet’s chief Mike Toye, said: “We are pleased to partner with SEA International to accelerate the growth of inclusive and sustainable organisations and communities across Canada and the around world.”