Interested in starting a social enterprise? If you would like to find out more, you are invited to a series of workshops designed to help you develop services.
We are hosting the events with Inspirent to outline the support available.
Social enterprises are businesses with primarily social objectives rather than to maximise profit for shareholders and owners, with profits being reinvested in the business. The economic contribution of social enterprises to Scotland is calculated as £2.63 billion GVA.
In North Lanarkshire, the 2021 social enterprise census noted 114 social enterprises, however the actual number is much larger. These organisations provide a range of services including social housing, employability services, social care, community transport and health and well-being support.
The free workshops will take place on:
- 10 September - Bellshill
- 24 September - Airdrie
- 25 September - Cumbernauld
- 9 October - Shotts
- 23 October - Coatbridge
- 30 October - Motherwell
To book a space, go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/inspirent-71835199943 or email grow@inspirent.co.uk for more information.
The workshops build on a successful Celebrate, Collaborate and Network event at the Food for Thought Café in Wishaw in June which recognised the work of local social enterprises making a difference in their communities.
A Crowdfunding information event is also taking place on Thursday 3 October at Newmains Community and Conference Centre.
To date the council has supported 36 local social enterprises with one-to-one advice, funding, development workshops and networking and peer support.
The North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Network also offers networking opportunities and help for members: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/business/support-businesses-north-lanarkshire/social-enterprise
Social enterprises play an important role in North Lanarkshire, providing goods and services for those who most need support and helping to make our communities better for everyone,” said Yvonne Weir, Enterprise Manager.
“We want to make sure we have support and guidance in place to assist individuals, groups and communities to be able to set-up social enterprises, and once established, support to develop and grow them. The workshops are the perfect opportunity for people who have an idea or ideas that could be developed for a social enterprise to come along and find out more.
“I would also encourage anyone currently involved in a social enterprise, to also get in touch, to discuss the support that is in place for existing social enterprises.”
Local organisations are encouraged to take part in the 2024 Social Enterprise Census, run by the Scottish Government, to monitor the scale, reach and contribution of the sector: diffleypartnership.co.uk/2024-social-enterprise-census/
If you are (or would like to) operate a social enterprise, or would like more information on the sector and support available please get in touch with Jennifer Thomson in the Enterprise Development Team thomsonje@northlan.gov.uk.