What is Social Economy West?
It will provide charities, third sector organisations, social enterprises, and co-operatives with the resources, expertise and guidance they need to:
- Explore opportunities for growth
- Effectively manage increasing demand on services
- Build economic resilience and enhance environmental sustainability
- Manage risk more effectively
- Diversify income streams
What support can organisations benefit from?
We're working with experienced third sector organisations, Voscur, 3SG, CVS South Gloucestershire, School for Social Entrepreneurs and Bristol & Bath Regional Capital, to deliver five key support activities to businesses, including:
- 1-2-1 coaching and support
- Demand-led themed workshops
- Expert mentoring from social entrepreneurs
- Opportunity to join peer networks
- A comprehensive Accelerator programme
Who is eligible for support?
To be eligible for support, organisations must be located in the West of England Combined Authority Region and have a core social mission.
This could include organisations such as:
- Social and community enterprises
- Charities
- Voluntary and community sector organisations
- Housing associations
- Co-operatives and mutuals
- Informal self-help initiatives
- Social finance and support providers
- Alternative business models
To be eligible for support through this programme you must be an established organisation based within the West of England ( Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire) and have filed a minimum of 1 years full accounts. Most importantly your organisation should be committed to developing or expanding income streams.
Events
Social Economy West: Setting up a trading arm
16/03/2026 - 10.00am - 12.00pm - In association with Voscur - Online
In this Social Economy West workshop we’ll look at what you need to consider before taking the decision to set up a successful trading arm, and the basic things you’ll need to do to make this happen.
Social Economy West - Resilience and Wellbeing for Social Business Leaders
25/03/26 - 10.00am - 1.00pm - In association with CVS South Gloucestershire - Coniston Community Centre, Patchway
This session will look at simple ways you may able to improve your own performance and wellbeing, by discussing some common areas where organisational leaders may find themselves conflicted or challenged. You will then reflect on what may apply to your own situation, and where you can take control to help.
Social Economy West: Beyond the grant: marketing to diversify your income
01/04/2026 - In association with CVS South Gloucestershire - Online
This workshop forms part of Sonja Nisson's “Marketing Made Manageable” series: practical, confidence-building workshops to help groups plan their marketing, tell their story and reach new sources of funding next year.
Social Economy West: Building high performing, inclusive and resilient teams
23/04/2026 - 9.30am - 12.30pm - In association with CVS South Gloucestershire - Thornbury Leisure Centre
Join us at Social Economy West to learn how to build high performing, inclusive and resilient teams with a psychological safe approach.
Social Economy West: How to find and access business development grants
29/04/2026 - 10.00am - 12.00pm - In association with Voscur - Online
In this workshop we’ll look at how to find and access business development grants, including how to find and research these grant opportunities, the differences between charitable grant applications and business ones and making your best case.
What is Social Investment?
06/05/2026 - 10.00am - 11.30am - In association with BBRC - Online
Join us for a practical and informative session hosted by BBRC, a leading social investor. This session will provide valuable insights into the social investment market and guide you through the key concepts you need to know to take your first steps.
Social Economy West: Using impact to attract income
11/06/2026 - In association with Voscur
You may have lots of information about what a great job you're doing and how you are positively impacting on the lives of our beneficiaries. Using this strategically can be vital for your fundraising and income-generation.
Social Economy West: Planning for a successful future
08/07/2026 - 12.30pm - 3.00pm - In association with Voscur - Online
There are lots of effective ways to express your future plans, from a full business plan to a short pitch deck. We’ll look at your future business needs and the best way to develop a great plan for your future.
Getting Investment Ready
08/07/2026 - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - In association with BBRC - Online
Take the next step on your social investment journey with this Investment Readiness session.
