Access to training programmes and business support initiatives can develop your social enterprise and achieve long-term sustainability.  Social Economy Network has developed strategic partnerships with key organisations which offer ongoing training programmes and accredited courses to social economy organisations and social entrepreneurs.

Leadership and Management – for better business

Investing in relevant and meaningful Leadership and Management training is a key factor in improved productivity and success in the business environment. DEL offers a range of training programmes in this area and can provide financial assistance towards the costs. The programmes are open to all businesses, including SEEs, which are registered companies, engaged in business activity and have between 10 and 250 employees.

For further information on the programmes available go to www.delni.gov.uk/leadershipandmanagement

Are you interested in pursuing the Investors in People Standard?

Investors in People Northern Ireland are currently offering, at no cost and with no obligation, a range of financial and advisory support to your business.  If you would like a free consultation to find out how Investors in People may help improve your business, please call 028 9044 1794 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or visit the website www.delni.gov.uk/grow

Management Analysis and Planning - MAP

The MAP programme helps your business by providing a good, structured, flexible approach to identifying and addressing your company needs.

The MAP programme is specifically designed for small to medium-sized enterprises (10 to 250 employees). An analysis of your business is carried out on-site by a professional business adviser, who will provide you with a report detailing your:

    * Management/leadership strengths and weaknesses;
    * Areas for development; and
    * Management/leadership skills gaps.

Most importantly, you will receive a training and development plan highlighting practical, achievable solutions to any areas that need attention.

Programme benefits

MAP can:

    * Help increase business performance and profitability;
    * Provide a greater understanding of the management and leadership issues within your business;
    * Highlight areas of concern;
    * Recommend constructive, positive solutions; and
    * Provide funding towards activities set out in your training and development plan.

The Costs?

The Department for Employment and Learning will meet the cost of the business analysis, (itself worth £1000) and will provide up to a further £6000 of funding (on a 40% basis), towards development activities arising from the completed training and development plan. From 2 March 2009, for a limited period, the Department will provide financial assistance of up to £6,000 on a 100% basis, towards development activities arising from the completed training and development plan.

 Get help and advice from Management Development Branch - 028 9044 1785 or visit the website

 
The School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland (SSEI) is modelled on the highly acclaimed School for Social Entrepreneurs in London.

SSEI, which is located in Belfast, is part of a growing network across the UK, as well as Australia, meeting the needs and providing support for social entrepreneurs and enterprises in their local settings.

What does SSEI do?

Partially funded by the Flax Trust and Lloyd's TSB Foundation, SSEI offers a suite of four advanced level training and development initiatives in a response to a need to legitimise the social economy sector and set standards of professionalization with the aim of developing individual and organisational entrepreneurial capacity.  

Our programmes include:  

• The Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise ‘Creating a Social Enterprise’ the first of its kind in Northern Ireland providing a differentiated first rung which is linked to social economy organisations. It targets individuals representing groups who are actively pursuing the establishment or development of a sustainable social enterprise.   

• ‘Sustainable Futures’ leading to the award of the Advanced Diploma in Management Practice. This programme aims to build personal and managerial competence of managers operating in the social economy sector with responsibility for the strategic direction of the organisation to address issues related to sustainability.  It is built on a strong understanding of the needs of emerging social economy as well as mainstream community and voluntary sector. The course recognises the need for strong management to underpin sustainable social enterprise development

•  MSc in Executive Leadership for the Community and Voluntary Sector – a personal and professional journey to excellence in leading people, organisations and communities targeting Board Members, Directors and Senior Executives (delivered in association with Boston College).  

Ready, Steady, Grow is a highly innovative, responsive and flexible medium of training & development. It has already attracted senior managers and CEOs showing that there is market space for a high quality, client responsive non-accredited course social enterprise growth programme.  

  Click to view PDF document on the Ready, Steady, Grow programme.

The UU Office of Innovation provides business support and expert advice for social economy enterprises. Our focus is on helping you to provide a competitive, innovative and client-focused service. We offer a ‘best in class’ service to social enterprises, providing bespoke services and training, as well as access to other relevant mainstream Ulster support. Support includes research activity, placement opportunities, innovation support and networking opportunities.

The Science Shop is an initiative run jointly by University of Ulster and Queen's University Belfast which partners students with community organisations across Northern Ireland who need support to investigate an issue.

Small enterprises can apply for Innovation Vouchers, up to a maximum value of £4,000 (€5,000), which they can redeem against the cost of practical advice and expertise on specific operational projects from a range of specialized Knowledge Providers.  The Innovation Voucher allows you to focus on running your business while Knowledge Providers develop solutions to knowledge problems that could take your business to the next level.

To view the Innovation Vouchers Information Leaflet click here :   

KTP

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships involve high calibre graduates working in companies usually for 2-3 years, on projects of strategic importance to the participating companies, jointly supervised by senior company staff and experienced academic or research staff.

The Knowledge Transfer programme (KTP) can help your business to:

    * Improve product design
    * Develop new products
    * Improve your manufacturing process
    * Reduce costs
    * Find new markets
    * Increase sales

Figures show that for a programme involving one graduate, a business can expect on average:

    * An increase in annual profit of around £138,000
    * A one off increase in profit of £98,000
    * 18 company staff trained
    * 3 genuine new jobs created

For more on UU’s Knowledge Exchange Programmes, visit the Office of Innovation website

 What is Pro Help?

Pro Help is a joint initiative between Social Economy Network (NI) Ltd and Business in the Community.  It is a toolkit which coincides with the long term strategy of developing effective business engagement between the social economy and private sectors.  

ProHelp is a network of professional firms providing assistance to groups committed to establishing sustainable communities in N. Ireland.  Professional firms provide considerable support to the Social Economy support to the SE sector in achieving this goal by sharing skills and resources.  

Pro Help firms, which include public relations agencies, recruitment consultancies, solicitors and surveyors, agree a number of hours and areas of expertise over the period of one year with Business in the Community.  

Requests for professional assistance from community organisations are channelled to Business in the Community via funding bodies as part of a package of financial assistance and professional support.  Business in the Community assesses each request for assistance to broker the best partnership for both the community and private sector organisations involved.

To view the Pro Help Guide in PDF click here

If you would like to request a hard copy of the Guide, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it