Social Enterprise Day

Over 400 year 10 pupils will be attending an exciting programme of talks and workshops encouraging young people to think of enterprise as their path to future prosperity. 

The National Social Enterprise Coalition, the UK’s national body for social enterprise made up of organisations across the country, launches its first annual Social Enterprise Day next Thursday (November 17), to give a round of applause to existing initiatives and inspire young entrepreneurs to build new socially conscious businesses.

In Herefordshire, social enterprises range from Housing Associations and Herefordshire’s own Leisure Trust, Halo, to small community initiatives.

An event is being held for schools at the Three Counties Showground to celebrate Social Enterprise Day, linking to a programme of national events.

In May, Partners for Social Enterprise in Herefordshire launched a three-year Strategy to provide better support to social enterprises in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The programme includes training and start up support, business assistance and advice and help in accessing finance and funding. The aim is to help new enterprises to get off to the best possible start, and existing ones to grow their business and create new jobs and services.

As well as business support and training, the programme includes events and information for schools, recognising that young people are the entrepreneurs of the future. 

All have in common two things - a viable business creating jobs and delivering services, and a social objective.

Geoff Tunstall, Workmatch Operations Director, said: "Social enterprises are providing a range of sustainable resources and services for disadvantaged people across the county. They are providing a clear added-value to resources expended by local government."