What help do we offer?

You can access support for your social enterprise in a number of different ways:

• Our team of experienced social enterprise start-up advisers are based throughout the region and have extensive knowledge of local markets. They will help you to identify the key areas of your business where the application of targeted support will enable you to develop and grow your social enterprise so that you can deliver more economic, social and environmental impact.
   
• Through our social enterprise workshop programme, you can learn about the key issues that will support the development of your enterprise and acquire important skills which can be applied to the development of your business. Our team of specialist presenters will deliver information on a wide range of subjects from an introduction to the social enterprise business model to winning contracts and producing a set of social accounts.
   
• In certain cases Business Link may make a contribution to the cost of that specialist expertise through a Business Development Voucher. This financial support could range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds depending on the identified needs, opportunities and growth potential.
   
• Mentoring is available to start up social enterprises with growth potential. Our mentors are social entrepreneurs, leaders and managers of successful, established social enterprises and who have experience of starting a social enterprise. Support will be delivered through regular one to one meetings and on an ongoing basis via e-mail and the telephone as required.