Creating a supportive environment to foster the growth of social enterprise is a priority for the Social Enterprise Coalition. This includes access to appropriate finance and a supportive tax system, along with developing an embedded culture of social enterprise.

Access to appropriate, high quality business support is an important part of this work. It can make the difference between success and failure in the start-up phases and as a social enterprise develops. It is also essential if the social enterprise movement is to grow.

As the primary driver for social enterprises is their social and/or environmental impact, their support needs differ from those of mainstream businesses.

Prior to publication of the deficit reduction plan, government has spent £2.5bn per year in directly supporting businesses. Our members report that provision of this support has frequently failed to show understanding of the various models of social enterprise and to recognise how their needs differ from mainstream business.

Changes in the business support landscape in England are having a significant impact on the support available to social enterprises. Regional Business Link support is expected to come to an end as the Coalition Government puts an emphasis on a private sector led recovery. The Government has outlined plans to create a Regional Growth Fund to encourage enterprise and has invited proposals to form new Local Enterprise Partnerships.

We have and will continue to work with our regional partners and other umbrella bodies to ensure that high quality business support is available to social enterprises.

We are also working to influence the broader enterprise agenda. One of the areas we are working on is ensuring that young people understand social enterprise as a business model and career option. Following a successful campaign, social enterprise now features on the curriculum for GCSE business studies.

 

Consultations:

CLG and BERR consultation on Prosperous Places (June 2008)

BERR consultation on Simplifying Business Support (September 2007)