The Social Enterprise World Forum emerged from national social enterprise support agencies seeking a means to collaborate to advance social enterprise development throughout the world.

After consultation with a range of partners, CEiS has been encouraged and supported to organise the inaugural Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh, Scotland from September 2nd to 5th 2008. The event is being delivered in partnership with The Scottish Government, The Social Enterprise Alliance (USA), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Social Ventures Australia, Scottish Enterprise, The Social Enterprise Coalition, Office of the Third Sector (UK), Enterprising Non-Profits (Canada), the Department for International Development, Social Investment Scotland and a range of international and local partners, sponsors and supporters.