SUPPORT
In this section, access a range of support to help develop your social enterprise.
| Source of Support | Description | Links | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work West | Providing support and advice to embryonic, start up and established social enterprises across Northern Ireland. | Work West - Social Enterprise Support | Social Economy Village Brochure |
| LEDCOM | LEDCOM is a social enterprise that provides a wide range of services to social enterprises across NI. These services range from idea development, business planning and growth development. We also offer social enterprises incubation facilities, Charter Management Institute training programmes, business consultancy and HR support. | LEDCOM | |
| NI Business Info | Guidance on Starting a Social Enterprise. | Start a Social Enterprise | |
| NI Business Info | Guidance on Developing Your Social Enterprise Idea. | Developing Your Idea | |
| NI Business Info | Legal guidance on How to Set Up a Social Enterprise. | How to Set Up a Social Enterprise | |
| NI Business Info | Guidance on Becoming a Social Entrepreneur. | Becoming a Social Entrepreneur | |
| Invest Northern Ireland | Advice and Support for Social Entrepreneurs. | Invest NI | |
| Ulster Community Investment Trust | Providing affordable loans and free support to community organisations and social enterprises. | UCIT | Loan Application Guidance and Form |
| UnLtd | Supporting indivduals (including social entrepreneurs) who are committed to making a positive change in their communities across Northern Ireland. | UnLtd | |
| Central Procurement Directorate | Procurement guidance for social economy enterprises. CPD have also launched E-Bravo a new e-sourcing portal. | Central Procurement Directorate | Procurement: A Guide for Social Economy Enterprises Register with E-Bravo here or call the E-Bravo Helpdesk on 0800 011 2470. |
| Business in the Community | BiTC is a not for profit membership organisation working with over 230 companies in Northern Ireland to help them meet their social responsibilities. They help companies make an impact across four theme areas: environment, workplace, community and economy. Under Economic Growth BiTC work with Social Economy projects and Social Entrepreneurs to help them grow and develop. | Business in the Community | ProHelp Application Form - professional assistance for community organisations from BiTC |
| Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce | An independent membership based organisation with over 4,000 members across NI, offering unique networking opportunities. | NI Chamber of Commerce | |
| University of Ulster |
Ulster is committed to working in partnership with the social economy sector across NI to encourage innovation and business growth. Opportunities include Knowledge Club networking events, student placements, accredited training, research activity through the Science Shop, and academic expertise through Innovation Vouchers, Consultancy and Knowledge Transfer Partnership Programmes. |
University of Ulster | |
| UnLtd World | An online platform that connects social entrepreneurs and empowers the way information is exchanged within the social entrepreneurship market. | UnLtdWorld | |
| Belfast Metropolitan College | Belfast Metropolitan College is a major supplier of educated and skilled workers to the NI workplace. Opportunities exist for social enterprises to benefit from a range of services, including placements and student projects. | For further information visit the Belfast Metropolitan College website or phone the Business Solutions team on 02890 265276. | Click here for information on forthcoming short courses at Belfast Metropolitan College |
