for new start social enterprises

3SE’s unique modular “New Start” Social Enterprise Programme offers individuals and groups with a passion for social enterprise with the opportunity to research and develop their business idea into a fully operational social enterprise.

Customised specifically to meet the needs of the social enterprise sector, and delivered in an informal way using a variety of methods and practical activities, our programme comprises a range of unique features to give the best possible start to new social enterprises:

• group workshops – a series of workshops provides a structured pathway from the initial stages of developing the business idea, constituting a working group, conducting market research, appraising options for company legal structures, identifying options for finance and marketing right through to formalising the business proposition
• one-to-one reviews – our expert business advisors maintain contact throughout the programme to review progress and provide help and advice in developing a sound proposal
• long-term support – the programme recognises that establishing a social enterprise is not always straightforward and provides longer term support throughout the critical set up period
• complementary services – as part of the New Start package, participants have free access to selected 3SE social enterprise events, workshops and other activities

Social enterprises that complete the programme can progress onto to 3SE’s service for ‘early trading’ social enterprises.