Start a Social Enterprise
Want to start a Social Enterprise in Plymouth? Here are our top tips for getting started…
Signing up to our newsletter will keep you updated with events and opportunities.
Aspiring social entrepreneurs can join PSEN to access a wealth of experience and support.
ONE TO ONE SUPPORT AND ADVICE: A GOOD PLACE TO START
The ERDF funded Enhance Social Enterprise programme offers 12 hours of free business advice or training for new and existing social enterprises. Delivery partners include PSEN members, Iridescent Ideas, Cosmic, RIO and Dartington School for Social Entrepreneurs. To find out more, contact one of the delivery partners or sign up on the Growth Hub portal.
Pop Ideas is a Plymouth City Council support contract delivered by POP+ and Iridescent Ideas CIC. They provide funding advice and business planning support to voluntary, community and social enterprise organizations working in Plymouth. For more information and contact details or to sign up to the informative newsletter go to www.popideas.org.
Regular Social Enterprise Chat sessions with Iridescent Ideas provide free 50 minute advice for people at all stages of their social enterprise journey.
START UP COURSES
The School for Social Entrepreneurs runs year-long and intensive Social Entrepreneurs programme in Plymouth. These often comes with a grant to help support you through the process.
The programmes are free to attend, and you can find out more here.
START UP SUPPORT WITH FUNDING
If you’re based in Whitleigh, there’s an UnLtd social enterprise support programme specifically for you with grants of £500, £5000 and £15000 as well as training workshops. Contact paul@iridescentideas.com to find out more. Paul tells me that even if you’re not from Whitleigh it should be possible to join in with the workshops – so it’s worth getting in touch.
UnLtd also offer a range of national support initiatives including three levels of awards, £ 500.00, up to £ 5000.00 and £ 15,000.00 for individuals starting or growing their social ventures.
Power to Change is a national programme established to provide support and funding to community businesses
CROWDFUND PLYMOUTH
Match funding is available for crowdfunded community projects and businesses throughout Plymouth and there is a 75% fund available for projects with a community benefit in Ernesettle.
ARTS AND CULTURE STARTUPS
If you’re working specifically within arts, culture, heritage and digital, specific support can be available via the Real Ideas Organisation.
BANKING
Lots of social enterprises bank with the Credit Union, itself a social enterprise. Contact office@cpcu.co.uk to find out more.
OTHER RESOURCES
Social Enterprise UK publishes a free guide to starting a social enterprise.
The CIC regulator has a wealth of resources on starting a social enterprise and setting up a Community Interest Company.
