Ekopia Social Investments were awarded funding towards the establishment of a Social Enterprise Hub, with the aim of providing a collaborative, supportive and affordable working space for innovative social enterprises in the Moray area. 

Based at Findhorn Ecovillage, the hub provides offices, workshops, spaces for food production/craft activities and facilities such as hot-desking, along with access to social networks, peer support, information and expertise in an environment which facilitates collaboration, innovation and cross-pollination, thereby supporting social enterprises to develop their businesses and increase the impact of their work.

The HIVE houses five offices for resident social enterprises, three studios for local food/craft producers, and various facilities open to the wider community, including a meeting room and four hot-desking spaces for other social enterprises and entrepreneurs. Since opening, the HIVE has enjoyed a 100% occupancy rate, further emphasising the need in the local area for this kind of facility.

Feedback from tenants has been positive and enthusiastic:
The Findhorn HIVE incubates a “good positive entrepreneurial spirit. [It] strengthens businesses through shared resources, skills and knowledge. Increased trade spreads the word of the [Park] EcoVillage and the Findhorn community. Inspiration breeds inspiration.” HIVE office tenant

The Findhorn HIVE opened in early 2019. Ekopia Social Investments Limited is a community benefit co-operative.

Image credits: Mark Richards