In developing a social enterprise, you are embarking on an exciting journey.
Introduction
As an established social enterprise, we’ve been asked to prepare this guide to help you along the way. Starting a social enterprise can be challenging, rewarding, stimulating and scary. There are already a range of business planning guides and templates out there but very few can tell you how to set up a social enterprise. We’ve used our own experience, and the experience of others, in running businesses with equal financial, social and environmental aims to map out a route for you. We hope that you will benefit from our experience, avoid the pitfalls and achieve your goal to establish a successful social enterprise.
Contents
Development
2
Introduction
3
The business development process for social enterprise
9
Stage 5:
Exploration
61
Stage 6:
Business planning
69
Stage 7:
Start-up
79
Top tips for success
80
Stage 1:
Motivation
17
Stage 2:
Preparation
29
Stage 3:
Assessment
39
Appendices
Stage 4:
Testing your idea
53
Key contacts
82
Resources
83
Business plan template
84
Acknowledgements
97
3