Welcome to Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network (ABSEN)

Local social enterprise networks exist throughout the UK to support and assist social enterprises in a host of processes including establishment, funding, and service/project development, delivery and evaluation. Unlike traditional business models which have lone commercial objectives, social enterprises have additional imperative social and/or environmental objectives. Moreover, unlike private businesses, the profits from a social enterprise are reinvested within the business or the community, rather than being distributed to shareholders or owners.

ABSEN exists to support Argyll and Bute's thriving social enterprises, so please get in touch should you need any assistance!

Latest Developments

Nominations are open for Argyll and Bute's first ever 'Social Enterprise Oscars' - ABSEN are inviting community members across the region to nominate the social enterprise they believe is most deserving of an ABSEN Social Enterprise Award 2011. To find out more, a recent press release can be accessed here, whilst nomination forms can be obtained from here.
ABSEN’S 2011 annual conference was an overwhelming success, whereby social enterprises across the region were provided with the opportunity to engage in lively and topical discussions with a number of key representatives from organisations such as the Social Enterprise Academy, the Big Lottery, Just Enterprise, Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition, Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government, to name a few!ABSEN have asked those who presented at the event to submit relevant documentation for members to access and review. This information can accessed from here.

ABSEN's Development Manager, Bill Stewart, and Communication and Information Outreach Worker, Justine Ballantyne, are currently exploring options to update and improve this website. The website should be a valuable and engaging portal for all social enterprises, therefore we are incredibly eager to hear our member's views and needs!

Please make good use of this web site by registering yourself and your organisation. Feel free to also add comments to our discussion forum.

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