Social enterprise

We aim to increase the contribution of the social enterprise sector towards the North Somerset economy.

This sector includes charities, clubs, cooperatives, housing associations, mutually-owned companies, societies and voluntary organisations.

They are all involved in generating revenue and we recognise their significant contribution in providing jobs, goods and services across the district.

Social enterprises can be entitled to up to 80%  business rate relief as long as they fulfil certain criteria.

We have a web-based funding portal called  Open 4 Social Enterprise to support social enterprises in finding relevant grant making bodies and programmes.

In 2005 we assessed how much social enterprise contributes to the overall local economy in our Audit of the Social Economy of North Somerset.

The information we gathered has since been used to inform and develop work connected to the Local Area Agreement designed to support the growth of the sector.

For business advice for social enterprises in North Somerset please contact the North Somerset Enterprise Agency on 01934 418 118.

For more information contact our Economic Development team.