Wales Co-operative Centre is starting 2020 with three free events to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to set up new social businesses.
The events are hosted by the Social Business Wales programme, led by the Wales Co-operative Centre and part of the Business Wales service.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the project aims to create 200 brand new social businesses in Wales over the next three years, providing jobs and services anchored in communities.
The events will feature presentations from entrepreneurs who have successfully established social businesses, including representatives from PeopleSpeakUp (Llanelli), Canolfan Beaumaris (Anglesey) and Riverside Market Garden (Cardiff).
Those attending will also be able to engage with their local Social Business Wales team, which also provides free specialist support on offer; from advice on different legal structures; writing business plans and governing documents; to developing an investment strategy.
Glenn Bowen, enterprise programme director at the Wales Co-operative Centre, said: “At the Wales Co-operative Centre we’ve been right at the heart of Wales’ vibrant social economy since the 1980s and have helped to create hundreds of new businesses, providing important services and creating much needed jobs for some of our poorest communities.
“We know what’s needed to start a successful social enterprise and with over 150 individuals signed up to attend our New Start events over the next two weeks, we can already see the appetite from entrepreneurs to join this growing movement.”
Carly McCreesh, project manager for new start support within Social Business Wales, said: “At Social Business Wales we want to work with passionate and ambitious social entrepreneurs that want to start strong and sustainable social businesses. So if you’ve got an exciting idea for a new business and have a clear vision of the impact you want to make, please get in touch to find out about the specialist support we can offer.”
The social business sector in Wales currently comprises over 2,000 enterprises, employs more than 55,000 people and contributes £3.18 billion a year to the Welsh economy, a 34% increase on 2016 figures.
The first event was held today in Merthyr Tydfil; the rest take place bewteen 11.30am and 2.30pm on 17 January at Galeri Caernarfon, Caernarfon and 21 january Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, Carmarthen. Those interested can book at https://sbwnewstartwestwales.eventbrite.co.uk
