The Social Enterprise in Scotland: Census 2024 has been released, marking 10 years of evidence on the sector’s scale and impact.

Conducted throughout 2024 by Diffley Partnership and the Scottish Government, with support from partner agencies, the Social Enterprise in Scotland Census is the definitive account of social enterprise activity in Scotland.

Over the past decade, the sector has weathered significant challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, inflation and the ongoing cost of living crisis. Despite this, the 2024 census highlights impressive growth and impact across the social enterprise sector. Key findings of the latest census include:

• Scotland’s social enterprises are a significant contributor to the national economy. With 6,103 organisations generating £2.89bn in Gross Value Added and sustaining 90,050 full-time equivalent jobs, the sector is creating wealth while ensuring it is fairly distributed. Social enterprises are a key driver of community wealth building, keeping investment, jobs, and services rooted in local areas.

• Social enterprises demonstrate that financial sustainability and social impact can coexist. These organisations prioritise fairness, equality, and environmental responsibility while maintaining strong economic performance. By embedding values into their business models, social enterprises show that profit does not need to come at the expense of people or planet.

• Social enterprises are embedded in communities, with 33% based in rural areas, ensuring local wealth, services, and employment remain within those communities. Beyond economic impact, social enterprises tackle social and environmental challenges, from supporting vulnerable populations to promoting sustainability and climate action. They are community anchors, providing stability, opportunity, and innovation where it is most needed.

Click to read the full report.