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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.

toolsChoose the correct legal structure

A new online tool helps social enterprises make informed decisions about their legal form. Go to www.getlegal.org.uk

Case studies

Learn how the structure of Community Interest Company has benefited two local businesses:

MOTIV
Youth Communications Network

Find out how the Co-operative Enterprise Hub has helped new and existing co-operatives in the region:

Unicorn Grocery
Glebeland City Growers

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.

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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.

eventsSocial enterprises inspired by Business Link conference

Read about how the ‘Moving Forward Together’ event gave social enterprises a better understanding of the opportunities available in Rochdale and Oldham.

infoNHS reform brings opportunities

Read Social Enterprise Network's summary of the recent White Paper identifying key areas that will affect social enterprises working in the health and social care sectors.

Featured support

Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF)
Loans can be used for purchasing property, improvements to existing buildings, vehicles or equipment and the day-to-day running of the business. 

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

infoInvesting in the future

Social Investment Business's first impact report demonstrates that social investment has strengthened a variety of social enterprises.