Q&A: Social enterprises

Unlike even the most ethical of other start-ups, social enterprises have environmental or social values at the very core of everything they do. Mei Yee Hui of Social Enterprise London talks about setting up a social enterprise

What are the key things to consider when setting up a social enterprise?

Like with any other business, you have to look at how you’re going to finance it and you must have a sound business plan. However, for a social enterprise it’s very much about putting community needs at the centre of the business. Other important issues might be finding the right staff, while identifying and selling to enough customers is a key challenge for all businesses. As a social enterprise, your end users might be disenfranchised young people looking to get back into training or employment, but your direct customer could be your local council.

Do social entrepreneurs share characteristics?

Most are usually self-starters who are highly determined to resolve a social problem or serve an important community need. They tend to be charismatic and willing to fight their corner.

Can social enterprises access special funding?

There aren’t many funding streams exclusively for social enterprises, apart from UnLtd, so they’ll often be competing against community businesses. You could try the Big Lottery Fund or Triodos Bank (an ethical bank that finances projects with social and environmental benefits). You could also enquire about community development finance institutions (CDFIs) – independent organisations that can provide loans and support to those who may be refused finance by banks and building societies.

Any others?

There are government-backed funds such as the Bridges Ventures Social Entrepreneurs Fund. If you have a focused business plan that shows commitment from local authorities as buyers, you could consider Futurebuilders. The Social Enterprise London website contains more information about social enterprise funding.

What’s the key to gaining funding?

You must demonstrate that your business is sustainable and has the ability to replicate projects. As a social enterprise, you must invest any profits back into the business. Social enterprises are often perceived as high-risk, so you must be able to prove your venture is viable.

Are there any extra hurdles?

Many local authorities – a key source of revenue – perceive social enterprises as risky, often because they don’t understand the social enterprise model. Therefore, they can be reluctant to fund them or award contracts. Because social enterprises must marry up social aims with being financially viable, there can be a conflict between wanting to do social good and having enough money to achieve desired outcomes. Sometimes you need to find a balance.

What about timing?

A social enterprise isn’t the quickest type of business to set up, so be patient. Jamie Oliver’s social enterprise restaurant Fifteen was set up very quickly, but that’s atypical, because Jamie has high profile and contacts to match. It normally takes two or three years. You have to engage with stakeholders and it can take time to come to an agreement. You should have a realistic time plan and seek advice from someone with experience in your sector.

What’s the best way to market a social enterprise?

There’s still work to be done to promote the term ‘social enterprise’ to the public, but, typically, customers get excited when they find out they are buying something from an organisation that is doing something good and reinvests its profits.

If you’re pitching your business to a public body, find out what they want and let them know how you can provide them with added value. If you’re trying to reach Joe Public, you must tell them about the benefits your product/service offers, as well as how their custom will make a positive contribution in a wider context, because this can provide an additional reason to buy from you.

Where can I get practical support?

Each regional development agency (RDA) has a remit on social enterprise, so they should be able to tell you about social enterprise networks near you. The RDAs are a good first point of call. Business Link and local community support groups are also worth contacting. Social entrepreneurs – as with all others – need to carry out a lot of research before starting up. You need to find out what information and support is out there.