What Social Enterprise can do for you
SEN advisers will assist you to develop a comprehensive business or strategic plan to steer your organisation in the right direction.
The plan will be tailored to your organisations needs but typically will cover the services you offer or intend to offer, SWOT analysis, cash flow and profitability forecasts and so on. In order to develop the plan the advisers will either use a specific social enterprise template plan or a bespoke plan specific to your organisation.
Advisers will work with you to look at the most appropriate structure applicable to your organisation’s needs and the future direction it wishes to take.
The service includes the completion of a select-
Social Enterprise Northumberland has a small start up grant available to eligible organisations.
Grant support is available specifically for the costs of establishing the organisation e.g. incorporating a company limited by guarantee. Some funding is also available for organisations looking to increase their income generating activity e.g. marketing costs or equipment that will directly lead to an increase in self generated turnover
Working with partner organisations SEN will pay for funding searches to be undertaken on behalf of clients. Such searches can only relate to funding that will ultimately lead to an increase in self generated income and NOT for the continuation of revenue costs
SEN liaise with community accountants who look to assist organisations to have accountancy packages applicable to their needs.
Typically the service will include a half day diagnostic visit when the accountant will look at the organisation and assess its accountancy needs and subsequently prepare a report detailing the outcomes. Other services including the production of accounts are also available.
Personnel can be an extremely risky area for social enterprises as employment law does not distinguish between a multi national corporation and a small community group. Both have the same employment obligations.
SEN works with a personnel specialist who will give referred organisations support in a range of personnel matters including contracts, employment disputes, employment obligations and changes in the law. Other services such as payroll are also available.
Many organisations have a really good service but are unsure how to market it. SEN will look to assist by helping you to write and implement a bespoke marketing plan. We also run a specific workshop to assist organisations understand the marketing process (see workshops below)
Got an idea but need more research? SEN can signpost you to agencies who can provide you with the skills and support to research your idea and turn it into a practical product or service
If your IT systems need improving or upgrading to facilitate your organisations development, SEN will provide an IT Consultant from a partner IT agency who will diagnose potential improvement or help you develop your IT infrastructure.