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The Scottish Government, through ISEO, is funding 12 bursaries for people to attend the Social Enterprise World Forum in Taiwan. This bursary is available to any impact-led entrepreneurs in Scotland, and includes tickets to the SEWF25 main forum, a study tour, and ÂŁ1,000 contribution to travel and accommodation costs.
An additional bursary is available for 4 eligible participants to attend the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering, which will be hosted by Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC) in partnership with Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), in Sabah, Malaysia, from 31 October to 4 November.
These bursaries aim to increase Scotland’s presence at this global gathering, enabling participants to build valuable connections, gain insights, and bring knowledge back to strengthen Scotland’s social and environmental impact ecosystem.
Learn more about the Social Enterprise World Forum, SEWF25, the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering, and how to apply, below.
About SEWF
The Social Enterprise World Forum began in Edinburgh in 2008 with 400 delegates from 29 countries. What started as a Scottish initiative has grown into a global movement now reaching tens of thousands of change-makers across more than 130 countries.
SEWF brings together purpose-driven enterprises that use sustainable business models to create positive social and environmental impact. While using the term ‘social enterprise’, SEWF embraces diverse business approaches that put purpose first.
Beyond the annual forum, SEWF works year-round to strengthen the global social enterprise ecosystem through policy development, social procurement initiatives, and their verification programme.
SEWF annual forums are delivered in English with some dedicated sessions focusing on local or regional topics being delivered in the language of host Countries.
About SEWF25
The SEWF25 main forum takes place on 29th-30th October, however there is a full week and a half of inspiring events planned that people can get involved in.
| Monday 27th October | Social Enterprise Study Tours Tour participants will explore Taiwanâs thriving social enterprise ecosystem from urban innovation hubs in Taipei to rural community-led initiatives. Experience the diversity and creativity of social enterprises witnessing their transformative impact first-hand. |
| Tuesday 28th October | SEWF25 Fringe Day will feature a range of sessions organised by partners from Taiwan and globally including workshops, networking sessions, roundtables and more. Please note that Fringe Day events are independently organised and separate from SEWF and Impact Hub Taipei. |
| Wednesday 29th October | SEWF25 Main Forum Theme: “Shaping Tomorrow: Collective Action for People and Planetâ The two-day hybrid event will feature world-class content, a social enterprise marketplace and the opportunity to be part of the worldâs largest social enterprise conversation connecting with thousands of purpose-driven changemakers. |
| Thursday 30th October | |
| Friday 31st October | Social Enterprise Study Tours Tour participants will explore Taiwanâs thriving social enterprise ecosystem from urban innovation hubs in Taipei to rural community-led initiatives. Experience the diversity and creativity of social enterprises witnessing their transformative impact first-hand. |
| Friday 31st October â 4th November | The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025 – Connecting rural voices for our global future. The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering is an immersive experience bringing together the rural social enterprise community from around the world to connect, collaborate and exchange best practices. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with rural social enterprises through a Learning Visit set in Sabahâs tropical rainforest. The gathering will also feature a Rural Forum in Kota Kinabalu, where participants can take part in dynamic discussions and knowledge sharing sessions, shaping the future of rural social enterprise. (See further information below) |
SEWF Rural Social Enterprise Gathering
The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering is a global event bringing together rural social enterprise practitioners to connect, collaborate and exchange best practices. Taking place in Sabah, Malaysia from 31 October to 4 November 2025, it follows immediately after the main SEWF25 event.
Programme includes:
- Learning visits to rural social enterprises in Sabah’s tropical rainforests (1-2 November)
- Rural Forum at Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu (3 November)
- Rural Social Enterprise Network discussions (4 November)
The rural social enterprise visit will have around 20-40 attendees. This has uneven ground and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
The Rural Forum will have around 300 attendees. The Rural Forum takes place at Sabah International Conference Centre, which is wheelchair accessible. There is no hearing loop.
This will be the third global gathering of rural social entrepreneurs and the first hosted in Asia. Previous gatherings took place in the Isles of Lewis and Harris, Scotland (2018) and North-East Victoria, Australia (2022).
The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering plays a key role in the Global Rural Social Enterprise Network and has contributed to the Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto, creating a shared foundation for collective action.
Who can attend the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering?
- Social entrepreneurs and social enterprise practitioners
- Innovators and changemakers
- Ecosystem supporters e.g. government, funders, investors, corporate partners
- Students and young people
- Members of the local community with an interest in social enterprise
For eligible Scottish rural social enterprises, ISEO is offering 4 additional bursaries of ÂŁ1,000 to cover participation in this important gathering.
Bursary Programme Details
What’s included:
- SEWF25 in-person ticket
- Social enterprise study visit
- ÂŁ1,000 contribution to costs for SEWF25 Week, including travel, accommodation and food
- Additional ÂŁ1,000 bursary contribution for eligible participants to attend the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering
- Pre, during and post-event access to Scotland’s enterprise support agencies
- Access to experienced Programme Manager, pre, during and post participation. This includes logistics support, convening and enterprise support agency engagement
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from Scottish impact-led entrepreneurs. Preference for:
- People under 35
- Social entrepreneurs and those focused on social or environmental impact entrepreneurship
- First-time SEWF global forum bursary recipients
- Applicants willing to report on their experience
Why apply
Taiwan offers a dynamic learning environment with:
- 841 social innovation organisations
- 184 support partners
- Strong digital transformation expertise
- Strategic gateway to Asian markets
Attending SEWF25 opens access to:
- 1200 delegates from 50+ Countries with a focus on social impact
- Global social enterprise and impact organisation leaders, intermediaries and funders
- Unique opportunities to meet, share and learn from global entrepreneurs with similar models, missions and values
Joining this bursary group provides:
- Pre, during and post-access to Scotlandâs enterprise support agencies and programmes
- Unique opportunity to meet, share, learn and build relationships with Scottish entrepreneurs
- Dedicated time with Scottish Government Economic Directorate representatives and Scottish intermediary representatives
Application Process
Deadline: Monday 5 May 2025, 12.00pm BST
Application options:
The main language used at SEWF events is English with interpretation provided on main stages where a language other than English is spoken. Some sessions focusing on local and regional topics in Taiwan may also be scheduled and delivered in Mandarin. These will not be interpreted.
Applications can be provided via the following channels: written, WhatsApp and email. You are only required to submit one of these formats, so please choose the one that suits you best:
- Written, video or audio application via Google form at: https://forms.gle/bXdXa5EAqxSSEgb19
- WhatsApp â send written, voice or video applications to 07469392405, clearly advising this is an application to the SEWF25 bursary programme. View the application questions by downloading this form.
- Email â send written, voice or video applications to info@iseo.scot with subject line âSEWF25 Bursary Applicationâ. View the application questions by downloading this form.
If you are submitting a video or audio application using the Google form, please fill in the contact details and upload your file. You do not need to add a written a personal statement if you choose this option, so please skip this section.
NB Video or audio applications should be a maximum of 3 minutes and files should not exceed 1GB. Landscape format is preferred for video applications. If you’d like to submit via alternative format please contact Jo Seagrave at ISEO to discuss this by call or text at 07469392405 or by email at info@iseo.scot.
Applications are weighted:
- 30% contribution attributed to desirable criteria
- 70% contribution attributed to personal statement
As well as asking for some contact details, whether or not you meet the desirable criteria and the usual Terms and Conditions, we’re asking applicants to provide a personal statement answering the following questions, where applicable:
1. Please outline how in-person attendance at SEWF25, Taipei would benefit your personal, entrepreneurial development and support you/your organisationâs social or environmental mission (required).
2. Please outline how in-person attendance at the Rural Gathering, Malaysia would benefit your personal, entrepreneurial development and support you/your organisationâs social or environmental mission (required if applying for the additional Rural Social Enterprise Gathering bursary).
3. Please outline how access to Scotlandâs leading enterprise support agencies and programmes pre, during and post event would benefit your personal, entrepreneurial development and support your social or environmental mission (optional)
