Start Smart: Starting a Social Enterprise D4

If you are thinking about starting a social enterprise, it can be exciting and daunting at the same time. If you would like to learn more about what is involved, then this course is for you.

The most common form of social enterprise is a Community Interest Company (CIC). There are other structures too which we will cover on the session. Starting a CIC does allow you to provide services that have positive social outcomes, but it is essential there is an income stream to make it sustainable. Because of this it must be run as a business. This course will give you an overview of what you need to know to set up and start a social business.

 

This is a 12-hour course delivered online, one morning per week over 4 weeks. It is fully funded (no cost to you).

 

To be offered a place on this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be willing to attend all 4 sessions
• Be a resident of Greater Manchester
• Be about to start a social enterprise or be in the first 3 years of trading

 

Course Outline

Mon 7th November
Understanding Social Enterprises

• What is a Social Enterprise
• Different Social Enterprise structures
• Focus in on CIC
• Why it needs to be operated as a business
• Legal structures, which one is best for you?
• Managing your business

Mon 14th November
Business Planning

• What are you providing
• Who are your customers?
• Who are your beneficiaries?
• How will you generate income?
• What competition do you have?

Mon 21st November
Getting Prepared

• Sources of finance
• Trading legally
• Things to think about
• Compiling costs
• Personal survival budget

Mon 28th November
Cash Flow, Costs, Breakeven and Pricing:

• Sources of finance
• Business Planning
• Using financial forecasting to reduce your risks
• Insights into what the cashflow can tell you about your business
• Setting your sales objectives and pricing strategy

 

Eligibility
Our Workshops are part-funded by European Regional Development Fund. They are delivered free of charge to participants; however, as they are fully-funded, they are classed as state aid to participating businesses and are subject to state aid rules and the associated eligibility criteria:
Greater Manchester Clients Only
SME: Small or medium enterprise i.e. less than 250 (Full Time Equivalent) employees
Annual Turnover less than 50 Million Euro OR Balance Sheet less than 43 million Euro

Where is it?