Set up and run a social enterprise

The social economy is growing due to changes in public policy, corporate responsibility and consumers taking a stronger view on ethical trading. Most not-for-profit organisations recognise that to survive they must make the shift to becoming a true social enterprise, but what does this actually mean?

Being a social entrepreneur is all about living by purpose and being passionate about achieving social, environmental and economic goals. A true social enterprise will utilise business-like skills to create profits that are re-invested into its social mission, making a genuine contribution to the community we live in.

The guides and resources in this section will help you on your way to starting or further developing your own social enterprise and make it easy for you to access help and support along the way.

Business Link Northwest is your free to use, independent business support and information service. If you would like to speak to one of our business advisers, call us now on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form.

Tendering opportunities

Visit our tendering for contracts section for regional, national and international procurement opportunities as well as lots of hints and tips to give you the best possible chance of succeeding.

Let's get greener together

Co-operatives and community owned enterprises, sign up to help your members or customers to become greener!

The Social Enterprise mark goes UK-wide

Read more about a national brand for social enterprises and how to apply for this new identifier on www.socialenterprisemark.org.uk

Case studies

Learn more about Community Interest Companies and how this structure has benefited two North West companies:

MOTIV
Youth Communications Network

Regional social enterprise contacts

Social Enterprise North West (SENW)
This regional network and its directors include representatives of networks from across the region and oversees the following sub-regional groups:

Together Works
Greater Manchester's consortium aims to deliver financial, social and environmental benefits to local comunities.

Cheshire & Warrington Social Enterprise Partnership
The partnership aims to develop a social enterprise community across the sub region and promotes their interest at all levels.

Social Enterprise Network (SEN)
Greater Merseyside's network offers members a news, funding and tender alerts service as well as local networking events.

Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership
This membership organisation joins finance, community, business and skills to make social enterprises better businesses.

Social Enterprise Lancashire Network (SELNET)
As the lead for social enterprise in Lancashire, it brings members together providing opportunities to help their business grow.

Development Trust Association (DTA)
A national charity that helps people set up ‘community enterprises’ – social enterprises providing services for a specific community.

Co-operatives North West
A network of over 400 co-operative enterprises offering help, advice and sources of funding to all forms of co-oprative, mutual or democratic enterprises.

Thrive North West pilot launched

Apply now for this capacity building programme supporting the growth of social enterprise organisations in the North West.

Featured support

Social Enterprise support in Lancashire
Find out more about the Local Gateway Grant for Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) organisations.

Hardship Fund
Discover how this £42.5million fund helps third sector organisations delivering front line services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society.

Capacitybuilders recession fund
Read more about how 1,000 third sector organisations access the Government's £1million Modernisation Fund.

Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF)
TSELF aims to help organisations that have a social impact. Loans can be used for purchasing property; improvements to existing buildings; vehicles or equipment and the day-to-day running of the business.

The Co-operative College
Find out more about the centre of excellence for Co-operative learning. As a charity, the College provides tailored workshops and qualifications for the Third sector.

In focus

Roadmap to success

Industry watch

How to...

Set up and run a social enterprise