Social Enterprise Support

Starting or changing to social enterprise workshops – short taster events that look at the reality of starting and running a social enterprise, introducing the support and tools that are available to help you. Events are run regularly across the region so there is bound to be one near to you.

Foundation for business training courses – information-packed courses on a range of subjects including business planning, financial management, legal requirements and personal development.

Specialist social enterprise training – a range of valuable sessions covering key issues including:

• Market reality and motivation

• Developing a social enterprise team

• Creating competitive advantage

• Structure and governance

• Financial sustainability of social goals

• Procurement

• Social franchising

• Changing to a social enterprise.

One-to-one guidance - delivered by specialist advisers experienced in social enterprises. Your adviser will be on hand to help you establish your business, create an Enterprise Action Plan and provide ongoing support.

Ongoing support - as your enterprise develops, you can access further tailored help and advice through your social enterprise adviser and volunteer mentor. This includes support to the whole organisation as well as the management team to help you drive the success of your social enterprise.

Information and Guidance – no matter what sector you chose to operate in, we can provide you with up-to-date, relevant information and factsheets. We also provide a monthly electronic newsletter ‘Starting Point’ which is packed full of articles, hints and tips to help anyone looking to start-up or grow their new business.

This service is delivered free of charge by a team of experienced specialists who are committed to helping you launch and develop your social enterprise.

In addition to the training in this brochure we offer training on:

• Social Franchising

• Public Procurement

• Structure and Governance

• Developing A Social Enterprise Organization

To discuss your idea or to book an appointment with one of our Business Development Officers please call 01782 683030 and ask for John Belfield, Sarah Carrington or Claire Arthur.

http://www.vast.org.uk/