Entrepreneurs considering how they could start a business to tackle a social or environmental need are being invited to take advantage of a new range of support aimed at helping them launch and prosper.
Business Link in the West Midlands has unveiled its Social Enterprise start-up service, with the promise of providing one-on-one advice and new training modules aimed at explaining what an ethical business is, identifying community need and how you can set yourself apart from mainstream businesses.
Jill Parker, Enterprise Director at Business Link in the West Midlands, explained:
“This arena is one of the fastest growing sectors for start-ups in the region and we have to make sure we provide a tailored offer that meets the specific needs of these organisations.”
She continued: “At the heart of this approach will be the introduction of social enterprise specialists to deliver the support and this will be supplemented by a whole host of new training opportunities.”
Sarah Crawley, CEO of I’SE – Initiative for Social Entrepreneurs – in Birmingham, is one of the expert providers and is determined to recruit more ‘ethical’ organisations for the West Midlands.
“We’re really delighted that Business Link is helping to promote these very important ventures, which are businesses in their own right,” she explained.
“These enterprises focus on supporting the community by helping specific groups or the environment, or other ethical causes. Unlike a commercial profit-driven business, social enterprises plough any extra money, after costs, straight back into the community.
“The benefits can be amazing. For example; helping local homeless people in their neighbourhood, employing people with disabilities or assisting disadvantaged individuals develop new skills.
“Every social enterprise has a triple bottom line...their commercial income, which in turn enables them to make a real social impact and improve their environment.
She went on to add: “This is the first time the message of ‘social enterprise’ has actively been driven out across the region and it is a very encouraging start.”
Included in the new range of support are eight Business Foundation Modules, covering every skill-set you will need to get started.
People can learn how to create a competitive advantage through marketing, help with managing their finances, how to make a franchise out of a social enterprise and how to change from a conventional community organisation to effective trading.
As each business progresses, further help will be available for the whole organisation and the management team to help develop the social enterprise.
For information please contact 0845 113 1234 or visit www. businesslinkwm.co.uk
ENDS
Business Link in the West Midlands provides the information, advice and support needed to start, maintain and grow a business. The quality and delivery of the Business Link service is the responsibility of the Regional Development Agency Advantage West Midlands and supported by a number of other Government Departments, Agencies and Local Authorities.