Supporting social enterprise
A social enterprise is a business that is focused on or driven by social objectives. Social enterprises are distinct from private sector companies with policies on corporate social responsibility and from charities, although charities are also increasingly looking at ways of maximising income from trading. This page lists some opportunities and support available for organisations who are thinking of starting, or already trading as, a social enterprise.West Sussex Social Enterprise e-Bulletin
The West Sussex Social Enterprise e-Bulletin is a monthly e-bulletin of news, developments and events supporting new, developing or established social enterprises in West Sussex. If you would like to go on the e-mailing list, write to Gemma at admin@icis-info4life.org.uk
West Sussex Social Enterprise Network
The West Sussex Social Enterprise website aims to support emerging, developing or existing social enterprises in West Sussex. It contains information and factsheets, news items, events and training opportunities and links to information, advice and support agencies. WSSEN is also compiling a Business Directory of social enterprises in West Sussex which is available at www.wssen.org.uk
Social Enterprise magazine
A monthly magazine providing accessible, comprehensive news and practical help for everyone interested in social enterprise. To find out more or to read archived articles go to the website at www.socialenterprisingmag.co.uk.
SETAS - Social Enterprise Training and Support
The SETAS website is a source of information about support, training resources, funding, events and news for social enterprises. Search by subject and by location in the UK. Find out what the site offers by visiting www.setas.co.uk.
Social Enterprise Learning Networks
If you are a social enterprise and want support to grow, or a voluntary organisation thinking about or already generating a profit you could join the Sussex Social Enterprise "Learning Networks". This programme focuses on a range of issues such as marketing; project, finance and business management; procurement; social auditing and diversity. For more information contact Linda Boize, Business Development Manager, University of Brighton, 223 Mithras House, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT. Phone: 07958 515487. Email: l.m.boize@brighton.ac.uk
Social enterprise training from Interactive Solutions
Interactive Solutions is working with a range of social enterprise specialists to create a training programme to help organisations set up and grow successful enterprises and secure income from alternative revenue sources. For further information about their training programme call 020 8239 7333 for a free e-brochure, email: info@interactivsolutions.co.uk, or visit the website www.inter-activsolutions.co.uk
Chichester 4 Social Enterprise
News and funding information available on Chichester District Council's website. For more information go to www.open4socialenterprise.info/chichester2/Default.aspx.
New Entrepreneur Scholarships Programme (NES)
A programme that helps people living in disadvantaged areas start in business. The programme aims to overcome the difficulties in finding support and finance by providing comprehensive support, mentoring and funding to encourage start-up and growth of new businesses. Social enterprise ideas for new business are particularly welcomed. For more information go to www.nesprogramme.org/index.htm
Esmee Fairbairn Foundation 'Social Change: Enterprise and Independence' Grant Programme
Funding priorities within this programme include work that enables voluntary and community organisations achieve a degree of sustainability; social enterprises; organisations that take an entrepreneurial approach to tackling social need; and new opportunities for people to become more economically independent. For more details go to www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk and follow the link to Social Change: Enterprise and Independence.
Social Enterprise Coalition
A national body that brings together organisations to promote the social enterprise sector and share knowledge. To find out about supporting social enterprise and how to get involved visit the website at www.socialenterprise.org.uk.
Social Firms UK
A social firm is an economically viable business using its production to create sustainable employment for people with disabilities in healthy working environments. Social Firms UK aims to provide support and business support to existing and emerging social firms and to raise awareness within the social employment sector about the potential of job creation and all aspects of social firm development. Contact them at: Furness House, 53 Brighton Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 6PZ. Phone: 01737 764021. Fax: 01737 766699. Email: info@socialfirmsuk.co.uk, or visit the website www.socialfirms.co.uk
This page was last updated on: 03 Dec 2008
Copyright © 2003 ICIS
