Growth Hub launches programme of support for North Yorkshire Social Enterprises
Book your place today, full event list below!
York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub are proud to have launched a programme of support for Social Enterprises in North Yorkshire. Working with delivery partners Community First Yorkshire and Social Vision, the programme is designed to help North Yorkshire’s social enterprises to start, grow and prosper. It’s not too late to take advantage of this opportunity, sign up now.

Social Enterprises are a vital part of North Yorkshire’s economy, who also provide important social benefits through the work they do. This programme will draw on best practice to deliver bespoke support targeting the needs of our region’s social entrepreneurs.
Book your event today
When? Wednesday 12 March, 9.30am – 12:00pm
Where? Harrogate – Friends Meeting House, 12A Queen Parade, Harrogate HG1 5PP
Starting a social business can be a challenging and rewarding experience. As part of our social enterprise support programme, we would love to invite you to join us to focus on peer support and peer learning – helping to build your confidence and resilience, as well as growing your network with other social entrepreneurs.
Stef and Dena are experienced facilitators who will be there to support you and your social enterprise. Spaces are limited so please do book on as soon as possible.
When? Thursday 20 March, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Where? Whitby
What is a social enterprise? What is the best structure for your business? This session will explore the different options and legalities, and provide the opportunity to work through different scenarios and real-life examples.
When? Tuesday 25 March, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where? This session will be hosted on Zoom
What does sustainability mean to you? Financial, succession planning, environmental? This peer-led workshop will explore different scenarios, models and solutions.
When? Thursday 27 March, 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Where? This session will be held over Zoom
• Explore ‘growth mindset’ – and challenging that can impact a non-growth mindset.
• Individual behaviours and patterns – do they recognise any changes needed?
• Explore attitudes, beliefs and values
• Study ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ – how can this be implemented in their lives?
• Inner voice – what does your say?
• Work life balance
When? Monday 31 March, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where?This session will be held over Zoom
So, you’re starting a social enterprise. What difference will this make? What is the problem you want to solve? How will you know if anything has changed. This session will introduce you to setting out your vision and measuring your impact, making sure you are having a positive impact on your community and providing a market solution to a social need.
When? Wednesday 2 April, 1.30pm – 4pm
Where? This session will be held over Zoom
Starting a social business can be a challenging and rewarding experience. As part of our social enterprise support programme, we would love to invite you to join us to focus on peer support and peer learning – helping to build your confidence and resilience, as well as growing your network with other social entrepreneurs.
Stef and Dena are experienced facilitators who will be there to support you and your social enterprise. Spaces are limited so please do book on as soon as possible.
When? Friday 4 April, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where? This session will be held over Zoom
Join us to look at different approaches to promoting your social enterprise and reaching the right audience. Including an introduction to social media tools and marketing materials.
When? Thursday 10 April, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Where? This session will be hosted on Zoom
Join us to look at financing and funding for social enterprises, with input from West Yorkshire Community Accounting Services and IDOX funding platform.
This programme is delivered in partnership with Community First Yorkshire and Social Vision, and is funded by North Yorkshire Council through the Shared Prosperity Fund. As such, programme is eligibility is limited to social enterprises based within the North Yorkshire Council area.
Social Enterprise Micro-Grant programme
Grants of exactly £500 will be distributed by Social Vision to social entrepreneurs across the region, with the exclusive purpose of aiding them to test a social enterprise idea. As part of our wider programme of support for Social Enterprises, the Growth Hub are excited to launch a Micro-Grant programme, in partnership with Social Vision. This builds on their previous experience delivering a similar programme in Selby.
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