BIC Social Enterprise

Innovate for Good - Sunderland

Whether you’re running an established social enterprise or cooperative, you hope to set one up, or you’re still in the dream stage, we’re here for you with free, expert support to help you get started or scale and grow.

No matter how basic you think your questions are, or how complex your organisation’s needs, our team is here to support you with everything from free expert business and financial advice to attracting funding, legal structures, and developing your services.
Which means you get to get on with what you do best – being in business for good.

The BIC has been a social enterprise for nearly 30 years, which means we know exactly what’s keeping you awake at night.
That’s why our support is tailored to your needs, as follows:

Social Enterprise Support

The project

You qualify for free support if

What's on offer?

Support and guidance

Tailored one to one and small group workshops for starting and growing a social enterprise. Support when you need it.

Incubator

Blending workshops, peer-to-peer support, business advice and coaching to accelerate development through an intensive 6-month programme.

Speak to one of our advisers

Free, expert support for new social enterprises in Tyne & Wear, Durham and Northumberland.

Innovate for Good Incubator

1 to 1 advice

Advice and coaching with expert
social enterprise advisers.

Networking

Networking and peer-to-peer
support.

Workshops

Practical skills in business planning,
design thinking, and much more.

Experienced entrepreneurs

Providing a sounding board for
new ideas.

Team challenges

Harness the power of collective
thinking to address local issues.

BICCoworking

6-month membership at the BIC
in Sunderland.

Starting your Social Enterprise

Social enterprises usually begin with a dream which turns into a passion to make change for good. Many social entrepreneurs don’t even think of themselves as being in business; they’re just out to make the world a better place.

Which is where we come in… our dedicated advisers guide you with everything from business and financial advice to funding, legal status and developing your services.

We work with people like you every day, so whether you’re just starting out with the gem of an idea, or you’ve already developed a business plan, we’re with you at every step, helping you to make the difference you dream of.

Social Enterprise Support

“Our adviser was instrumental in the set-up of our business and he continues to be extremely supportive.” ​

Social Enterprise Support

Growing your Social Enterprise

Yes, it’s challenging out there; and we’re working across Sunderland now to re-invigorate social enterprises and cooperatives post-pandemic.

We can help you to scale and grow your enterprise, advising and guiding you through potential headaches like securing grants, diversifying, business growth planning, financial planning and more.

Which means you get to get on with what you do best – being in business for good.

Voluntary and Community Organisations

Voluntary and community organisations know all about public sector cutbacks, reduced capacity, lack of resources and business expertise, which is where we come in.

Our advisers are specialists in supporting you to overcome these challenges and more, helping your organisation to become more sustainable and resilient by diversifying, increasing trading income and reducing reliance on grant funding. Which means you can get on with the important stuff, like changing the world.

Voluntary and community organisations support

In business for good...

Social Enterprise Support - Dan Makaveli

Dan Makaveli

“Take action on your inspired thoughts and ideas…”

Chris Nutman

“The only way I want to spend my life is doing something worth doing, using all my skills to be of service…”

ERDF Logo
UK Government Logo
Sunderland Council Logo
CLLD Logo

Speak to one of our advisers

Free, expert support for new social enterprises in Tyne & Wear, Durham and Northumberland.