Since 2011, Just Enterprise has supported thousands of social enterprises, community organisations and enterprising charities across Scotland to start up, grow stronger and lead lasting change.
As the only national programme of its kind, we provide specialist one-to-one business support and learning opportunities that are tailored to the unique needs of the third sector.
Our support builds resilience, strengthens business models and helps organisations deliver economic, social and environmental value in their communities.
Over the current contract period alone (2023–2025), we’ve helped more than 1,100 clients across all 32 local authorities. That includes many operating in rural, island and high-deprivation communities, where support is often hardest to access.
The impact is clear. New social enterprises are launching and trading with confidence. Established organisations are growing, adapting and creating jobs. Leaders are building skills, strengthening their organisations and sharing good practice across the sector.
In 2018, the Scottish Government conducted an independent evaluation of the Just Enterprise program, revealing its tangible impact and success. This comprehensive review provided valuable insights into the program’s effectiveness.
This has been further backed up by our latest Impact Report which examined the first two years of the current contract, from June 2023 to March 2025.
We know that tailored, values-led support makes a difference. The data and stories from the report provide further evidence of the crucial role Just Enterprise plays in the wider context of a wellbeing economy.
Highlights from our 2023–2025 impact evaluation:
- £417 in GVA for every £1 of Scottish Government investment
- 90% of start-up clients had incorporated or planned to within 6 months
- 76 new jobs created and 123 jobs retained through Business Support
- 38% of Business Support clients moved up an income bracket
- 33% of start-up clients were from ethnic minority backgrounds
- 68% of start-ups already have or are drafting an environmental policy
- 92% of clients were satisfied with the support received
Whether tackling child poverty, creating low-carbon jobs or delivering vital services, our clients are using enterprise to build a fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.
Read the full report:
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If, like many fellow organisations, impact measurement is something you struggle with, then we can provide free support to Scottish social enterprises thanks to Scottish Government funding.
Support can include any of the following:
- A review of your current evaluation practices
- Identifying the problem you’re solving
- Identifying key beneficiaries and stakeholders
- Building a logic model that links the problem/needs you address to activities, social, environmental and community outcomes
- Alignment to the local, national and international policy environments
- Creating an evaluation plan
- Using your impact measurement practice to inform strategy and communication
- Managing and analysing your data
If you are interested in finding out more and securing some support for your organisation, apply now at the link below:
