Free Support Available:
It’s never been a better time to grow your social enterprise! We’re at a major ‘boom’ point of free business training support across the North East. This can feel both wonderful and daunting all at the same time! The best way to keep up with opportunities is through the North East Growth Hub, following providers on social media and browsing Eventbrite.
These opportunities are free because the providers have worked hard to secure funding to make it free for you. This means you may need to fill in paperwork to prove to their funders that they’ve done their jobs. It also might mean that not all services are available to everyone. For example, if you’re based in Gateshead, a training day funded by North Tyneside Council probably won’t be open to you. Be careful to check eligibility criteria before getting too excited about opportunities. It is however worth asking the Provider (we try to squeeze people in where ever we can!)
Social Enterprise Growth Programmes:
If you are based in Durham (NE BIC), South Tyneside or Sunderland (PNE) get in touch with your Social Enterprise BOOST provider. They will be able to steer you in the right direction. Explore your impact and income growth potential with experts.
If you’re based in North Tyneside (Business Factory), you can access a local offer as part of the Business Factory general business support package. Simply enquire via their website and you’ll be passed through to the team at Junction Point CIC. Here you can access 121 coaching and masterclasses to help you to grow your trading income and reduce reliance on grants.
If you’re based in Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle or Gateshead, you can access the Business with Purpose programme. This includes a tailored support package around the growth needs of your business. This could include getting ready to access finance, taking on new premises or introducing a new trading activity into your organisation. This programme is about supporting socially trading organisations not just social enterprises.
If you’re based in Newcastle, Sunderland or Gateshead, you can access 12hrs support through BIPC Experts in residence. You can use these consultancy hours to support your organisation to unlock a new phase of development. They also have master-class style events across the North East which are available to everyone.
If you’re based in Gateshead, check out Social Enterprise Gateshead . This programme includes access to Action Learning which is a problem-solving process that involves a small group working together to take action and learn from each other.
If your area has multiple offers, you can can access them all!
Social Enterprise growth events:
Introduction to best practices for social businesses: Wed 18th Sep 10.15-14.00. Newcastle. Join BIPC, NE BIC, Accounting for Good and other partners to learn what support is available to help you grow.
Grant Ready Training, Wed 25th Sep, 13.00-16.00, BIPC, Sunderland: Join Kate Duffy for an afternoon of learning how to find, apply for and win grants whether project or business growth related; this session will give you practical tools to access the money you need.
Flexible Social Finance Launch, Thurs 26th Sep, 9.30-12.00. Newcastle. Joint North East Combined Authority, Big Issue Invest and Power to Change as they launch this new regional social finance offer.
Community Voice in social enterprise, Wed 2nd Oct 10.00-13.00, PNE, Newcastle: A morning with Kate Duffy to map out your ideal community; how to find, engage & be accountable to those you serve.
North East Changemakers Co-working day. Mon 7th Oct 10.00-15.00, Newcastle venue TBC: £5 deposit to secure your place. Money returned upon attendance.
Authentic selling for social enterprises: Thurs 10th Oct. 15.00-17.00, Business Factory, North Shields library. How do you sell as a purpose-led organisation without it looking/feeling tacky or awkward, led by Moira Barnes.
BIPC Social Enterprise Themed Brunch: Tues 15th Oct, 10.00-13.00, BIPC, Morpeth: Meet likeminded people, hear success stories. Get your questions answered by experts.
Purpose driven sales for Social Enterprises: Tues 15th Oct. 13.00-15.00, Business Factory, Online. This session will explore how to sell more from a social enterprise model; aligning sales techniques with your company values, delivered by Nora Arkney.
Social Enterprise Day 2024: Thursday 21st Nov, 10.00-16.00, Newcastle or online: It’s the biggest day in the social enterprise calendar year!! Get your tickets & join us in celebrating this day.
