If you are a new or existing Social Enterprise, Voluntary or Community Group looking for advice or support we can help!
Are you passionate about making a difference, but you need to generate an income? You can operate as a sole trader and run a small social enterprise.
A social enterprise is an enterprise gaining income from trading goods, services or knowledge with a social benefit – a clear social, community or environmental mission.
If you're operating as a small social enterprise, gaining income from trading goods, services or knowledge with a social benefit, you may be looking to grow.
You can consider Community Interest Company registration with Companies House: this allows you to apply for some funding streams and gives you the protection of a company structure.
Are you a member of a group who share a vision of change in your community? You can set up a Constituted Community Group, sometimes known as an unincorporated organisation: this allows you to have a structure with a constitution, set up a bank account and start to apply for funds.
If you run an established community group you might be interested in registering as a charity. As a CIO there are charity benefits, fewer tax liabilities, business rates reductions on property and gift aid on donations. Charity Commission registration opens more funding streams and gives the protection of a charity structure as well as more recognition.
Are you part of a community which wants to work together and to be equal members?
You might want to consider setting up as a Cooperative and Community Benefit Society. Your members will benefit from and deliver your business, and you will offer training and benefits to your community.
You can consider offering shares in the business.
There's a wealth of information available from trusted organisations to ensure that the support we give is relevant, up to date and useful.
Click through below for some links to webpages that offer information, templates and resources to help you learn more about starting and running a charity, community group or social enterprise.