Support for Social Enterprises
Social enterprises play an important role within our communities and our towns, creating employment and providing a wide range of essential services to our residents. Social enterprises include community interest companies, charities, community pubs and shops as well as a wide range of sporting, cultural and transport organisations. Within Babergh and Mid Suffolk support is available to social enterprises through the Social Enterprise Support Project and Fund.
Social Enterprise Support Project
The Social Enterprise Support Project is an initiative run by Community Action Suffolk and funded by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
The project aims to strengthen and develop social enterprises within Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Both existing and new social enterprises can access a range of services and support, such as:
- Tailored support plans
- Workshops
- Resources
- Peer-to-peer network
- Specialist advice via Suffolk Pro-Help
As part of the project, an Introduction to Social Investment webinar is being hosted by Community Action Suffolk on October 8th 2024. This session is part of an ongoing series of workshops being delivered, designed to provide valuable insights and practical tools to enhance the financial sustainability of social enterprises within Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Find out more about Community Action Suffolk's webinar.
More information on the Social Enterprise Support Project, including contact details, can be found on Community Action Suffolk's website. Find out more about the Social Enterprise Support Project.
Social Enterprise Support Fund
The Social Enterprise Support Fund has been established to provide support to social enterprises within Babergh and Mid Suffolk in their development, be that in boosting capacity and skills within an organisation or tailored support for effective communication or strategic planning.
Between £1,000 and £5,000 can be applied for towards revenue costs such as consultancy fees, project management resources and specialised support.
More information, as well as the the Fund's priorities and requirements, can be found on our Guidance. View Social Enterprise Support Fund Guidance. If you have any queries regarding the Social Enterprise Support Fund, email the Grants Team.
Applications will be assessed on a first come, first serve basis, with funding limited to within the 2024-25 financial year. The deadline for applications is 31st January 2025, though the Fund may close for new applications before then subject to demand.
Apply to the Social Enterprise Support Fund