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Social Enterprise
Social Enterprises are businesses driven by a social or environmental purpose.
The government defines social enterprise as “businesses with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders”.
It’s estimated that there are over 62,000 social enterprises in the UK. Between them they contribute £24bn per year to the economy and employ approximately 800,000 people.
The Low Carbon Business programme recognises that social enterprises have a significant part to play in reducing the overall carbon usage of business across South Essex.
What Do We Offer?
To help Social Enterprises in Thurrock and the surrounding area grow, we offer a range of support services including:
Starting-up/feasibility advice – We offer advice on starting a social enterprise from scratch. We also provide a range of information and templates that you will find useful when developing your business idea.
Legal structures – The range of legal structures available for social enterprise is wide and varied. We can offer you information and advice on the best legal structure for you to achieve your aims.
Access to finance & funding – There is a range of finance options available to new and growing social enterprises. We make sure that we’re aware of everything from grants to venture capital funds - so that you don’t have to be.
Marketing plans – If you have a specific level of business/sales that you need to achieve – we can help you reach your goal. We can advise you on your current marketing activity and help you plan to increase your sales in the future.
Business Planning – If you require a formal business plan to explain your organisation to others, or you want a plan that you can follow, we can help you put a full business plan together. As well as providing useful templates and examples so that your plan accurately reflects your business.
Social Accounting/Social Return on Investment – Calculating the social impact of your business can help you to do everything from gaining funding to marketing your products. We have the tools to help you account for what you do.
Sign-posting – There are a range of business support products and services available to help your business. We maintain relationships with these organisations so that we can recommend the right person for you at the right time of your journey.
Workshops & Seminars – Together with the partners in the Low Carbon Business programme, we put on a number of seminars and workshops so that you can learn about the subjects that will help your business prosper.
What Do You Need To Do?
Our support can come in the form of 121 advice, providing information or seminars and workshops - depending on what your business needs. Contact us today to find out how you can benefit:
Chris Burr (Social Enterprise Officer)
Tel: 01375 486 322
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)