About us
We are a team of specialist business advisors focusing on setting up new social enterprises. We’re part of the Social Business Wales programme which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government, and delivered by the Wales Co-operative Centre.
We’ve been advising social enterprises since 1982 and in that time have helped set up hundreds of new businesses.
Our support is fully funded which means that you get free guidance every step of the way.
Starting a social business
If you’re thinking of setting up a business which puts its profits into a good cause, our specialist advisors can help you get started.
In order for your new business to flourish, you need to build strong foundations. Our team can offer one-to-one business support to help you get everything in place. Just get in touch
What do our clients say
“I can honestly say Joanne has been absolutely outstanding with me. I was completely clueless regarding setting up a business – I didn’t know where to start and I certainly didn’t know what path to take. Jo has helped me with registration, my business plan, grants, putting packs together, CIC contracts and her knowledge is unreal. Every time I started to think I was doing the wrong thing, Jo was there making me realise why I went into this and what a difference I am making. Joanne is currently helping me find sources of help with web design etc. Social Business Wales has kept me going and helped me from start to finish.” Katy, Director and Founder Member, Mother Matters
“Many thanks for the invaluable help provided via Social Business Wales in setting up our Community Interest Company, AMATHAON – as you are aware, I was struggling! You and your colleagues provide a valuable resource in the minefield that can be encountered in business setup and administration.” Amathaon CIC
“Serena’s personable and professional approach is absolutely hitting the mark for me. Starting out on a new venture is daunting, but having Serena there gently guiding me through makes it feel possible and achievable. Thank you for your support.” Dol Fach CIC
“I have been really pleased with the help so far from Social Business Wales. From helping us understand the different types of business structure we can use, to registering our social enterprise with Companies House. Things are difficult at the moment for everyone, what with the Covid pandemic that has hit us all, and without the help I have received I don’t think I would have been able to setup Any Penny as quick as I have.” Geraint Webley, Any Penny
How can we help?
Starting a business can be challenging, but we can you guide you on how to make the best start for your social business
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Visioning & structure
We can work with your group to ensure there is a shared vision for the business and help you choose the right legal structure for your new business
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Director training & investment strategy
We can help you develop an investment strategy, advise you on grants, loans, crowd funding and community shares and provide training for your directors so they have confidence in their roles and responsibilities
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Incorporation & policies
We can help to write your governing document and get your business incorporated. We can also help you to create policies to ensure that your organisation is well run
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Governance & board engagement
We can help you set up a governance system and engage with potential board members
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Compliance & risk
We can support you to identify any compliancy issues or risks that the business may have and how these could be managed
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Opening a bank account
We can help you to open a bank account for your new enterprise
Success stories
See how other social enterprises started and how they've gone from strength to strength...
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Q&A: Prom dress charity founder Ally Elouise makes essential PPE during the Covid-19 crisis.
Ally Elouise from Prom Ally discusses the motivation to give young women free access to prom dresses, the success ‘Eco-Wardrobe’ promoting reuse of formal clothing and their work with the ‘Sew for the NHS’ campaign during the Covid-19 crisis.
Read more
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Carmarthenshire social enterprise helps Syrian refugees gain employment within their new communities
Matt Miller of Amal discusses how they have recently set up to help Syrian refugees find paid employment while also making it easier for local firms to take on, all while under lockdown conditions.
Read more
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A cycle ride to Turkey sent two e-bike entrepreneurs on a journey to a more impactful and inclusive way of life
Bethan Ward from Drosi Bikes tells us how they began converting unloved pedal bikes and the massive environmental, physical, social and emotional benefits their communities have seen as a result of the increase in bike use in recent times.
Read more
Other resources
Here are a few resources to help you understand social entrepreneurship and start your business
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What is a social business?
Here's everything you need to know about social businesses and how they are guided by their values.
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Learn more about social entrepreneurship
Whether you’re thinking about setting up a social business, a community member looking for ways to improve your local area, or studying business and economics, our programmes are...
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The next steps for your business
Now that you've registered, here are the next steps you need to take to make sure your business gets off to the best start...
