Social Enterprises

Social enterprises trade and use the wealth they create for social benefit. They can be community businesses, cooperatives, the trading arms of charities, credit unions, social firms or larger social businesses and they are often found in health, care, environmental, childcare and other employment creation sectors.

Social enterprises can be started by individuals, groups or even entire communities but the important thing is that while they trade, the wealth they create and the profits they make must be used to benefit the community in some way; they are 'not for profit' businesses.

Social enterprises are usually started by people who see that something needs doing which neither the public or private sectors are good at. Very often these are tailored goods and services designed to meet the needs of particular individuals, groups and communities. They are legitimate, incorporated businesses with a representative board of directors and enthusiastic employees and volunteers.

The main contact for general enquiries is Jerry Spencer at Liverpool Vision on 600 2949.

Advice & Guidance

If you are looking for direct support and advice and you are based in Liverpool, the Eldonian Group employs business advisors able to help you plan, establish and develop a social enterprise. All you need is the idea! Phone 207-5181 or email alanjohnson30@hotmail.com

Stepclever

If you an existing social enterprise or community group in North Liverpool (the wards of Anfield, County, Everton or Kirkdale only) or planning to set up a social enterprise in the area, you can get extra assistance from the StepClever programme. Contact the Eldonian Group on 207 5181. Assistance is available to existing social businesses, social and ethical entrepreneurs and community organisations seeking to develop a trading activity. It includes training, business planning, grants and help with other fundraising,

Funding Opportunities

Liverpool Vision operates a small one-off grant fund for developing, new or existing social enterprises. The maximum grant is £15,000 and can only be used for capital funding (e.g. equipment or premises improvements) and not revenue funding (e.g. salaries). Contact Alan Johnson via the email above for advice on how to apply. There are also dedicated loan funds for social enterprises in the region. Contact either the Merseyside Special Investment Fund or The Social Enterprise Loan Fund.

Training Opportunities

Existing and budding social entrepreneurs can join the Academy for Sustainable Enterprise, which offers a range of learning and capacity building by way of taster days and 1 and 2 day courses in planning, finance, marketing and running a social enterprise, open to community activists, managers, volunteers and committee members wanting to play a bigger role in their business/organisation. Register via www.sustainable-enterprise.org.uk.

Liverpool’s School for Social Entrepreneurs runs a year long programme of training, mentoring and support for new social entrepreneurs and creative social entrepreneurs. If you are interested in this approach to social enterprise development visit the SSE website or call Sylvia Pearson at Blackburne House 709 4356 for a chat.

For more information about social enterprise, contact:
The national coalition of social enterprises - Social Enterprise Coalition
The Merseyside Social Enterprise Network - Merseyside Social Enterprise Network

Voice, the national conference for social enterprise, was held in Liverpool in 2008 as part of the city’s Capital of Culture year. Have a look at the highlights of what proved to be one of the most successful conferences in recent years via http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/



The Capital, 39 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9PP Telephone: +44(0)151 600 2900 Email: info@liverpoolvision.co.uk