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What is the Social Economy?

The Social Economy is a broad term that refers to organisations set up to fulfil a social or environmental purpose. Just like a ‘traditional’ business, Social Economy organisations trade (selling goods and services) and seek to generate a profit or surplus. However, rather than maximising profits to be extracted by shareholders and business owners, Social Economy organisations reinvest their profits to further their social or environmental mission. In this way, Social Economy organisations drive inclusive economic growth, help grow and retain wealth within communities and enable positive local change.

The Social Economy is made up of a broad range of organisations, including social enterprises, community businesses, trading charities, co-operatives, community benefit societies, credit unions and mutuals.

Our Business GM

In partnership with 10GM and GMCA, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Bury VCFA are delivering the Our Business programme to support and strengthen the Social Economy in Bury.
As part of the program, Bury VCFA are offering 1-2-1 social business support, networking events, training, and resources to help social economy organisations grow and increase their social impact in Bury:
• Support with social business planning and identifying practical next steps
• Pre-start up support to explore and develop your idea for a social business
• Understanding different legal structures and support setting up your business
• Identifying funding opportunities and developing funding bids
• Support with measuring and demonstrating your social impact
• Meet other Social Economy organisations and expand your network
• Access bespoke specialist training opportunties

What is a Social Enterprise?

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“Social Enterprises are businesses which trade for a social or environmental purpose. Social enterprises demonstrate a better way to do business, one that prioritises benefit to people and planet and uses the majority of any profit to further their mission. Social enterprises contribute to reducing economic inequality, improving social justice and to environmental sustainability.”

Social Enterprise UK
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Social enterprises are businesses. Like any other business, they seek to make a profit and succeed commercially. But how they operate, who they employ, how they use their profits and where they work is transforming lives and communities across the UK and around the world

Social Enterprise UK

In partnership with 10GM and GMCA, Bury VCFA are delivering the Our Business programme to support and strengthen the Social Economy in Bury.

Find out how we can support your Social Economy Organisation:

Training: In response to conversations with local Social Economy organisations, Bury VCFA have developed a busy calendar of specialist training sessions covering a range of topics (e.g. financial, legal, social impact, marketing and business). Book onto any of these sessions via the Training Page.

Training Page

Join the Our Business GM Community: The Our Business Platform is designed to support and empower Greater Manchester’s Social Economy. It aims to facilitate business growth, training, support, and networking amongst organisations, while promoting their products and services to enhance community wealth-building. 

Our Business GM

Contact Us: To discuss any of the above or find out how we can support you, contact our team on:

E-mail: fundinganddevelopment@buryvcfa.org.uk

Phone Number: 0161 518 5550