Social enterprises need to work more with traditional business forums and organisations if they want to increase their trading and subsequently their mission. A good example of this connection to the private sector is your local Chamber of Commerce. In fact, some savvy chambers are courting social enterprises as part of their mainstream membership.
The Chamber can offer a social enterprise access to free or reasonably priced training, a good network of suppliers and potential customers (depending on your product or service), and in some cases access to a variety of tenders (ex: Leeds Chamber business opportunities program). Finally, belonging to the Chamber can put you in touch with other start up or small businesses with similar issues–providing a virtual support network.
Read private industry literature, join private sector groups, and mix with other entrepreneurs or directors that must be sustainable (i.e. they do not have access to grant programs) to help you on the path to sustainability.
For our local readers:
Leeds Chamber
Bradford Chamber
Wakefield, Kirklees, and Calderdale Chambers
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