BCC Launches Support Programme For Social Enterprises

A programme of free support for new and emerging social enterprises and co-operatives has been announced by Belfast City Council (BCC).

The 'Go Social' programme aims to increase the number of social enterprises across Belfast by stimulating early stage social enterprise activity and supporting the creation of new social enterprises and co-operatives.

The first free 'Social Spark' event will take place at Malone House next Tuesday, 28 June from 9.30am to 4pm.

Attendees will learn about the power of design thinking and how they can use it to add value to their ideas, as well as hearing from Belfast social entrepreneurs about the challenges and successes they've experienced and being taken through the key practical steps to getting started.

Councillor Aileen Graham, Chairperson of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, explained: "We're reaching out to third sector organisations and individuals who have the potential to establish social enterprises, and giving them the support they need to get up and running.

"There's a growing, worldwide movement of businesses that exist to change the world for the better – by tackling social problems, improving communities, or the environment – and reinvesting the profits they make to do more good.

"Just think of Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant which offers young, unemployed people work experience, or Fair Trade company Divine Chocolate."

Go Social participants will be supported through a range of 'Social Spark' events, tailored workshops, specialist one to one mentoring, networking opportunities, and the chance to showcase their new product or service at a Social Souk event.

More information on the Social Spark events is available from the the council's Economic Development Unit.

(MH)