Developing a social enterprise idea
The first stop on your journey should be thinking about a great idea. Here are some things to consider.
Resources
Whether you have an idea or an established social enterprise, the resource hub is full of content that will help you drive your organisation forward.
Ideas & starting up
Got an idea for a project that tackles a social or environmental problem? Take your first steps to starting it up.
Researching and piloting a new idea
It's important to test your idea and do some basic market research before setting anything up.
Communicating your idea
You have a great idea. Now you need to tell people about it.
How to start up in 10 steps
You’ve got an idea you think could make the world a better place. How do you go about turning it into a real business?
Selecting a legal structure
You need a legal structure to officially set things up. But choosing one can be confusing. We can help.
Writing your first business plan
A business plan will help you clarify your idea, identify challenges and allow you to monitor the progress you’re making.
Find the money
Where can you find some money to get your project off the ground?
What funding is available?
Get the lowdown on Covid-19 emergency funding, grants, and social investment.
How to write successful funding applications
Five tips to make sure your energy and resources are focused on what really works.
Growing & trading
Strengthen your social enterprise, charity, community business or impact project.
How to establish a social enterprise board
Your board has responsibility for overseeing the governance of your project - but they can help in lots of other ways.
Developing a brand
Your brand says something about your project's identity and what you do.
Finding a social enterprise mentor
There will be lots of new challenges and critical decisions to make. A mentor can give you sound advice.
An introduction to HR
HR involves all aspects of employing and managing people that work in your organisation.
Getting the price right
If you don't earn enough income for your products or services, you'll struggle to stay afloat.
Accounting for your social enterprise start-up
Getting your accounts done on time is a legal requirement. We can point you in the right direction.
Sustaining & scaling
Your project or social enterprise is established. Now you want to bring in more income, make it sustainable and perhaps scale it.
How to measure social impact
Measuring social impact helps you understand if you're creating the change you wish to see. It's also important for funders and partners.
Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility
This guide explains how you can work with corporates: for funding, partnerships, contracts and pro-bono (free) support.
Developing a social media strategy
You can't be on all social media platforms, all the time. These five tips will help you narrow your focus.
Selling & marketing your social enterprise
Many social entrepreneurs are great at impact, but struggle with sales and marketing. This guide will help.
Winning contracts
A lot of your skills as a social entrepreneur will stand you in good stead when aiming to win income from contracts.
Introduction to social replication
Social replication is about reproducing your way of creating impact in other geographic areas or markets. You'll increase impact and reach.
Social investment to grow
Generating income from trading? Social investment could help you to grow your social enterprise or charity.
How to stay motivated
Leadership can be a very lonely place. Here are our tips on staying positive when times are tough.