Social Enterprise
Social Enterprises are businesses driven by a social or environmental purpose.
The government defines social enterprise as “businesses with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders”.
It’s estimated that there are over 62,000 social enterprises in the UK. Between them they contribute £24bn per year to the economy and employ approximately 800,000 people.
Thurrock Council is currently offering dedicated support to start-up, new and established Social Enterprises in Thurrock through our Low Carbon Business Programme. For more details on this please visit: http://www.lowcarbonbusiness.org.uk/index.php/about/social_enterprise
Other useful links
http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/
http://www.seee.co.uk/
http://www.socialenterprisemark.org.uk/
http://www.sse.org.uk/
http://www.thesocialinvestmentbusiness.org/our-funds/seif/
http://www.bllondon.com/SocialEnterprise/SocialEnterpriseHome.aspx
http://www.gew.org.uk/
http://www.triodos.co.uk/en/personal/
http://www.cdfa.org.uk/
http://locality.org.uk/
http://socialfirmsuk.co.uk/
http://www.uk.coop/
http://www.unltd.org.uk/
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/
Low Carbon Business Programme
Improving your Resource Efficiency
Improving your Resource Efficiency is part of the Solutions for Business Portfolio. The aim of the Low Carbon Business Programme is to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to reduce their carbon footprint and therefore increase their competitiveness. A co-ordinated programme of support is provided at an individual business level, including expert advice on ‘greening’ businesses such as how to use products and services more efficiently, identifying tailored carbon reduction solutions and providing small capital grants for investment in carbon reduction processes and equipment. For more information visit http://www.lowcarbonbusiness.org.uk
Solutions for Business
Solutions for Business is a suite of publicly funded business support products and services designed to help businesses start, grow and succeed.
The right advice, loan or grant - at the right time - can make the world of difference to your business. Solutions for Business products are simple to understand and access, good value for money and directed to where they will have most impact to help businesses grow. They are designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills you need to tackle issues your business might be facing.
Eligible businesses can gain support in areas such as starting up, understanding finance, training and skill development, resource efficiency, exploiting ideas, accessing international opportunities and growing your business.
Accessing business support
Business Link is the main gateway to all business support both publicly and privately funded. Business Link advisers provide independent advice and guidance on the type of business support that will best fit the individual needs of your business.
Visit your local Business Link - Business Link East - or alternatively give them a call on 08457 17 16 15.
Low Carbon Business Programme
