We have proposed integrating a range of training and skills development options for social enterprises delivered across multiple support agencies. Support will be sensitive to the varying needs of organisations approaching social enterprise from public, private and voluntary sectors – emphasising both business planning and partnership planning so that new and existing organisations can easily approach viability from different directions.

• For small and start-up social enterprise, we propose easy access to good business planning skills and courses.
• For established and trading social enterprises proposals include include peer support, joint learning, support on inter-trading and help with specific needs and queries.
• For all organisations interested in social enterprise business models, proposals include support to improve access to funding and improve understanding of complex social enterprise financing models.

Also:

• Help to improve the technical capacity of Third sector organisations to work together on bidding for public sector contracts.
• Help to improve the capacity of public sector managers and other partners currently delivering public services. These managers are already accustomed to controlling large budgets and large numbers of staff. A 1:1 coaching based approach may need to be considered.

Click here to read more background information on Strategic Priority 2

We have prepared some questions around this Strategic Priority to help you consider your contribution to this conversation:

•What in your opinion are the essential training and support services needed by a) start up social enterprises b) established and growing social enterprises c) organisations supporting social enterprises?

•What training and support services does your organisation currently provide, or might it provide in the future to help developing social enterprises or the organisations that support them?

•In your opinion what skills needs are not being met for a) start up social enterprises b) established and growing social enterprises c) organisations supporting social enterprises?

•What would you like us all to achieve as a result of this strategy within this priority area?

•What other services and activities do you think would be helpful to move forward this priority area?