Hosted by Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS), this workshop will explain how inclusive business models can help your organisation deliver your Community Wealth Building (CWB) agenda.

CWB is described by the Scottish Government as a practical approach to economic development focused on five pillars of activity: spending/procurement, workforce, land and property, finance, and plural ownership.

Co-operative Development Scotland contributes to the plural ownership pillar by supporting companies and community groups across Scotland that want to adopt an inclusive business model, such as employee ownership or forming a co-operative.

The event is aimed at frontline business and community advisers, individuals with a policy or strategic role, and other interested parties from across local authorities, the enterprise agencies and third sector interfaces (TSI).

It will help you develop an in-depth understanding of inclusive business models, so you can identify, develop and signpost appropriate referral opportunities to CDS.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have:

• An in-depth understanding of inclusive business models such as co-operatives and employee ownership, including legal structures and governance

• An increased awareness of why these models are important against Scottish policy landscape

• The knowledge to identify future opportunities for start-ups and existing enterprises to adopt inclusive business models

• An understanding of the support available from Co-operative Development Scotland on behalf of all Scotland’s enterprise agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise)