Somerset Social Entrepreneurs Programme
Do you have an enterprising idea to improve the communities or environment in Somerset? Are you a more established social enterprise looking to increase your impact and trading income – or supply the public sector?
The Somerset Social Entrepreneurs Programme partners, are delivering a series of FREE, online and face to face events to help you start, run, finance, and grow your Social Enterprise. One to one support is available.
There is a brilliant selection of inspiring courses available, some of which are highlighted below. Please consult the website via this link for the full programme.
https://smartcommunities.online/services/ssen/
https://www.sparksomerset.org.uk/training
Special Member Benefits: One hour of 1-2-1 review/support for bids with Clarity for up to 5 network members.
Run by social entrepreneurs Stephen Woollett and Sarah Taragon (www.claritycic.org), who are very experienced in helping social purpose organisations measure their impact.
They will be keeping it simple, ensuring that you leave the workshop more confident, better equipped and knowing where to start.
Somerset Social Entrepreneurs Programme
Somerset Social Entrepreneur Programme – Proposed Dates
Currently unfolding in Somerset.
We have recruited 30 people living or working in Somerset, benefiting the Somerset community and applications to this programme are now closed.
Key benefits
| Start Up level | Accelerator level |
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Somerset Social Entrepreneurs Programme is led by the School for Social Entrepreneurs in partnership with Somerset County Council, Somerset Community Foundation, Somerset Social Enterprise Network and Spark Somerset. It is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund
Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We recognise that discrimination of all sorts infiltrates every part of our society, and we are working hard to counter that wherever we find it. To that end, we actively encourage applications from people of all faiths, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, economic circumstances and backgrounds, as well as those from disabled communities. No educational qualifications are needed to join our programmes.
If you require adjustments, including financial support, to take part in the recruitment process or to participate in the programme due to a disability, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities or any other reason, you will be able to provide details in the application form or contact us by phone or email to discuss further.
If you need any of the information about this programme in another format, please let us know [email protected] or call us on 0203 9053 533
FAQ
What will I learn?
On the programme you will work through key themes which are likely to include:
| Start Up | Accelerator |
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Our learning programmes are very different to traditional teaching. We’re not about essays and textbooks. We believe in learning from other people’s stories. You’ll hear from inspiring people who speak frankly about the good, the bad and the ugly of running an organisation.
You’ll be in a safe and supportive group of around 15 people who are at a similar stage to you.
The course is a transformational experience that will push, challenge, and support you. It will give you the confidence and skills to achieve the impact you want to have.
What do you mean by income from trading?
Income from trading includes:
- Sales of goods or services to the public, for example – selling food, tickets, training sessions, workshops
- Sales of goods or services to other organisations, for example, training courses, commissions, contracting
- Sponsorship and membership fees, where there is a significant benefit for the sponsor or member
- Rental income
It does not include:
- Donations or voluntary contributions
- Income from investments
- Bank interest
- Loans
- Equity income (e.g. through sale of shares)
- Grants, for example from trusts
- Transfers of funds from other organisations, e.g., in the case of a merger
- Sponsorship or membership fees, where there is no significant benefit to member or sponsor
We can advise you about this if you are not sure. And just to be clear, by income from
trading we don’t mean surplus or profit – just income.
You will be matched with a grant manager to support you with questions about your grant and how you can spend it.
Which geographical areas do you recognise as being part of the Somerset community?
Specifically the Somerset County Council area. This includes Sedgemoor, Mendip, South Somerset, West Somerset and Taunton.
How does the Match Trading grant work?
Match Trading® is grant-funding that matches an increase in trading income. By rewarding sales growth, Match Trading incentivises social organisations to develop their trading base, so they can build stronger futures.
We have adapted the Match Trading grant approach to support a four-month programme.
For this programme, the grant is made up of two parts: a traditional grant to kick-start your efforts; plus a Match Trading grant to accelerate growth by rewarding an increase in income from trading.
On the Start Up programme you get a traditional grant of £2,500 plus up to £2,500 incentivised grant that matches an increase in income from trading. For every £1 increase, we give you £3, up to a maximum of £2,500.
On the Accelerator programme you get a traditional grant of £7,500 plus up to £7,500 incentivised grant that matches an increase in income from trading. For every £1 increase, we give you £3, up to a maximum of £7,500.