VAL will also support the VCS to collaborate, develop new strategies, secure increased contracts and leverage social investment. The project activities include sending out regular news and information on social enterprise & investment, delivering investment readiness workshops, training and network development.
Why this project is important
It is important that VCS groups think about the direction they are going and where income will come from in the long term, and we advise groups to develop diverse income sources so that they are more resilient in the long term. Income from trading is one good source of funding because it is unrestricted and it can be used to not only develop the business side of the organisation but it can also be used to invest in social outcomes. This project is therefore important because it will provide the support and training that groups need to develop their funding plans so that can address local needs in the long term.
What has happened so far
The VAL sector support team has attended training in social enterprise and investment and is working with CASE to proactively identify and support local VCS organisations that want to develop and grow through trading and investment. VAL is also currently in discussion with Commissioners at the Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council about potential options and opportunities for collaboration and social investment.
CASE delivered a social enterprise and investment workshop in March – where groups learnt about investment readiness and social investment and received information, resources and tools for business planning.
CASE has also been working with VAL and other CVSs across the East Midlands to communicate information about social enterprise and social investment to the VCS including case studies, resources, good practice, and social enterprise news.
Future plans
If you are interested in accessing support to develop and grow through enterprise and investment then contact the VAL Sector Support Helpline – helpline@valonline.org.uk – 0116 257 5050 or CASE on T. 0116 222 5010, email enquiries@case.coop
We recommend that groups come along to our next event called ‘Let’s Talk Good Finance’ to find out more about social investment and to meet a social investor. It is being held at VAL on 18th June 2019. Further details can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-good-finance-east-midlands-leicester-tickets-60752028954 We will also be running further workshops on social enterprise and investment, so watch this space.
To keep up to date, follow VAL and CASE on social media @CaseCooperative @valonline and regularly check your inboxes!