In this section, access a range of support to help develop your social enterprise.
| Source of Support | Description | Links | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work West | Providing support and advice to embryonic, start up and established social enterprises across Northern Ireland. Work West's new Social Economy Village will open in December 2008. | Social Economy Belfast | Social Economy Village Brochure |
| NI Business Info | Guidance on Starting a Social Enterprise. | Start a Social Enterprise | |
| NI Business Info | Guidance on Developing Your Social Enterprise Idea. | Developing Your Idea | |
| NI Business Info | Legal guidance on How to Set Up a Social Enterprise. | How to Set Up a Social Enterprise | |
| NI Business Info | Guidance on Becoming a Social Entrepreneur. | Becoming a Social Entrepreneur | |
| Invest Northern Ireland | Advice and Support for Social Entrepreneurs. | Invest NI | |
| Ulster Community Investment Trust | Providing affordable loans and free support to community organisations and social enterprises. | UCIT | Loan Application Guidance and Form |
| UnLtd | Supporting indivduals (including social entrepreneurs) who are committed to making a positive change in their communities across Northern Ireland. | UnLtd | |
| Social Economy Network | A membership based organisation which seeks to build, support and strengthen the social economy sector throughout Northern Ireland. | Social Economy Network | Membership Application Form |
| Central Procurement Directorate | Procurement guidance for social economy enterprises. CPD have also launched E-Bravo a new e-sourcing portal. | Central Procurement Directorate | Procurement: A Guide for Social Economy Enterprises Register with E-Bravo here or call the E-Bravo Helpdesk on 0800 011 2470. |
| Business in the Community | BiTC is a not for profit membership organisation working with over 230 companies in Northern Ireland to help them meet their social responsibilities. They help companies make an impact across four theme areas: environment, workplace, community and economy. Under Economic Growth BiTC work with Social Economy projects and Social Entrepreneurs to help them grow and develop. | Business in the Community | ProHelp Application Form - professional assistance for community organisations from BiTC |
| Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce | An independent membership based organisation with over 4,000 members across NI, offering unique networking opportunities. | NI Chamber of Commerce | |
| University of Ulster | UU is commited to working in partnership with the social economy sector across NI to exchange knowledge and expertise and encourage innovation and business growth. Opportunities include Knowledge Club networking events, student placements, accredited training through the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland, research activity through the Science Shop, and academic expertise through Consultancy and Knowledge Transfer Partnership Programmes. | University of Ulster | |
| Social Economy Agency | SEA has been engaged with the sector for 25 years including the development of a network for the social economy sector. Leads on RISE - a rural initiatives for social enterprises operating on a cross border basis; IMPART - a peace and reconciliation project exploring outcomes management; and IMMPACT - a co-ordinated capacity building, training, mentoring and support portfolio to address the key issues for organisations to acquire the necessary skills, and knowledge related to long term financial and organisational sustainability. | For further information visit the Immpact website or phone 02890 961115. | Immpact Tools & Resources for Infrastructure Organisations and Front Line Voluntary and Community Organisations |
| UnLtd World | An online platform that connects social entrepreneurs and empowers the way information is exchanged within the social entrepreneurship market. | UnLtdWorld | |
| Belfast Metropolitan College | Belfast Metropolitan College is a major supplier of educated and skilled workers to the NI workplace. Opportunities exist for social enterprises to benefit from a range of services, including placements and student projects. | For further information visit the Belfast Metropolitan College website or phone the Business Solutions team on 02890 265276. | Click here for information on forthcoming short courses at Belfast Metropolitan College |
