Advice and guidance on social enterprises

It can be valuable to those at the start of their journey toward running an enterprise to seek advice first before setting up the venture and looking for start up funding for it.

This is because funding is usually unobtainable without the evidence of a well developed , workable idea and a good business plan behind it. It may be that that what is really needed to start things off is not money as such, but space from which to operate. If that is the case, the Council may be able to help you in other ways.

Dudley Council for Voluntary Service

Support all sizes and types of voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprises, however formal or informal, as long as they benefit the people of Dudley borough.

Business in the Community

The oldest and largest business-led membership organisation dedicated to responsible business.

Locality.Org

The country’s leading nationwide network of communities ambitious for change. Its membership covers a wide range of organisations whose services are tailored to the unique communities they serve. Their common aim is to help to make communities fairer and more inclusive, through social action, social enterprise and community asset ownership.

Community First

Community First, based in Malvern, aim to advise community organisations regarding the protection and sustainability of valued community assets, and access routes to funding options that might be used to secure their future.

Social Enterprise UK

Information about social enterprise in general, advice on forms of incorporation and find other enterprises operating in the West Midlands or any other part of the UK.