7 Myths About Social Enterprise That Are Total Rubbish
Brace yourself: 52% of UK social enterprises grew last year—compared to just 34% of SMEs. That’s straight from Social Enterprise UK’s 2023 report.
And yet... so many purpose-driven people in Scotland are still hesitating to launch their ideas. Why? Because they’ve heard the same tired myths, over and over.
Let’s break those myths wide open—and get your ideas out into the world where they belong.
Myth 1: Social Entrepreneurs Can’t Make Money
Think profit and purpose don’t mix? Absolute rubbish.
Money and mission enhance each other. In fact, financial stability helps you increase your impact.
Just look at Brewgooder, the Scottish beer brand funding clean water projects across the globe. You’ll find their beers in Tesco, Asda, and your local pub. Proof you can run a thriving business and do a world of good.
How to Build a Profitable Social Enterprise Model:
- Develop income streams through trading, grant funding, contracts, and partnerships.
- Use tools like the Social Enterprise Canvas to connect your income with your impact.
- Remember: it’s the well-resourced social enterprises that tend to create the biggest and most lasting change.
📊 Stat source: Social Enterprise UK – State of Social Enterprise Report 2023 (p.8)
Myth 2: You Must Sacrifice Your Wellbeing
“I’ll rest when the mission’s done!”
Ever heard that one? Let’s retire that mindset.
UnLtd’s 2021 research shows that wellbeing is critical to success—yet 58% of social entrepreneurs reported mental health issues affecting their work, and burnout is one of the top reasons ventures fizzle out early.
You can’t change the world while running on empty. It's not noble—it's unsustainable.
Creating Healthy Entrepreneurial Boundaries:
- Set working hours (and stick to them).
- Build a support network through Social Enterprise Scotland or your local third sector interface.
- Pay yourself, even if modestly at first. You’re building something important—and you deserve to be part of the payroll.
Myth 3: You Need a Big, Innovative Idea
Waiting for a “never-been-done-before” idea? You might be waiting forever.
Most impactful social enterprises simply respond to local, practical needs—they don’t chase flashy tech or headlines.
Take Remade Network in Edinburgh. They run affordable repair services and community workshops. Nothing groundbreaking on paper—but they’re creating massive environmental impact, building skills, and saving people money.
Finding Your Perfect Social Enterprise Concept:
- Start with what your community actually needs—talk to them!
- Focus on doing something useful, not necessarily new.
- Test your idea small and scale based on real-world feedback.
Myth 4: Only Charities Create Social Change
“But don’t I need to be a charity to do good?”
Nope! Not even close.
Only 15% of Scottish social enterprises are charities. The rest operate as CICs, co-operatives, or limited companies with social purposes built into their DNA.
When I work with clients through my Bestie in Your Pocket service, we choose a structure that fits your goals—just like choosing the right walking boots for your journey.
📊 Stat source: Social Enterprise Scotland – Understanding Legal Structures
(Note: Charity proportion figure also cited in SEUK 2023 Report, p.11)
Myth 5: You Need Loads of Start-up Cash
Think you need to be flush with funding before you start?
Actually, 41% of social entrepreneurs in the UK launched their ventures with less than £5,000, according to UnLtd’s 2023 report.
Just look at R:evolve Recycle—they started as a clothing swap in someone’s living room. Now they’ve got multiple locations, a loyal following, and major sustainability impact.
Start where you are. Resourcefulness > riches.
Myth 6: You Must Be a Business Expert
“But I’ve never run a business before!”
No worries. Most social entrepreneurs didn’t start out as business people—they were artists, youth workers, parents, care workers. What they had was purpose, and the rest came later.
You can learn as you go. (And I can help with that.)
My Bestie in Your Pocket service offers hands-on support for those building ethical, purpose-led businesses without needing to master every spreadsheet or legal term on day one.
Myth 7: Social Entrepreneurship is Lonely
Worried it’ll be you against the world? Not here.
Scotland has one of the strongest social enterprise communities going. From national networks like SENScot and Social Enterprise Scotland, to local hubs, peer groups, and meetups—there’s support everywhere.
As one of my clients put it:
“I’ve made more real friends through my social enterprise than I ever did in a decade of corporate work.”
You’re not on your own. You’re part of a movement.
Conclusion
Feel a bit lighter now that those myths have been busted?
Scotland needs more social entrepreneurs—people like you who care deeply and want to do business differently.
If you’re ready to get started but don’t want to go it alone, my Bestie in Your Pocket service (£80/month) is designed for exactly that. You’ll get honest advice, hands-on support, and a cheerleader who knows the path.
