Free training and 1-2-1 support for community businesses and social enterprises to help Devon ‘Do Business Differently’

Independent charity Devon Communities Together (DCT) is providing a series of free training workshops as part of a whole package of support for community businesses in Devon.

Alongside the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), New Prosperity Devon and Stir to Action, DCT is engaging with local communities to support the development of social enterprises, community businesses, community groups, sole traders and anyone with a great idea for their community.

The free workshops begin later this month and will take place in Barnstaple and Tavistock, with online events also planned. Topics will include:

• ‘Where does money come from?’, which will look at financial planning and finance options (Tuesday 19th April, 10am-4pm, The Design Space, Barnstaple and Wednesday 27th April, Tavistock Library);
• ‘Creating New Ideas’, which will examine how to respond to the changing landscape (Thursday 5th May, The Design Space, Barnstaple and Wednesday 11th May, Tavistock Library);
• ‘Getting Real About Climate Change’, which will explore how Devon businesses can contribute to the county’s net zero target and create a decarbonisation plan (Tuesday 3rd May, 10am-4pm, The Design Space, Barnstaple and Tuesday 10th May, Tavistock Library).

“This project is about helping new and small businesses look at the post covid economic landscape this spring and see the new opportunities. These free workshops are a fantastic opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs and activists in Devon to learn new skills, be inspired with new ideas and really be encouraged to take their business or initiative forward,” said Mark Brownbill, Project Manager at Devon Communities Together. “There are so many amazing, creative, socially conscious people and organisations in Devon – from community shops to care organisations; theatre groups to transport associations, and many more! We’re here to support them to ‘do business differently’ with a whole range of services, from these workshops to 1-2-1 support, wellbeing initiatives, business coaching and more. If you think you, your organisation or your community could benefit, please visit our website to find out more.”

In 2020 the Enhance Social Enterprise project (managed by DCT) estimated that there were around 1,900 social enterprises in Devon, Plymouth, Torbay and Somerset. Social Enterprises are typically defined as businesses that reinvest or donate their profits to create positive social change. The workshops from DCT are open to all social enterprises but also to those businesses, groups and organisations that may not be set up as a social enterprise but that are doing great things in their community – or have aspirations to do so.

For further information and to book a free space on the workshops, please visit: www.devoncommunities.org.uk/projects/community-regeneration-community-businesses-and-social-enterprises

Devon Social Entrepreneurs Programme is led by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) in partnership with Devon Communities Together, Stir to Action and New Prosperity Devon.  It is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund, which is managed by Devon County Council within the Devon area.