WSSEN – West Sussex Social Enterprise Network

Welcome to the West Sussex Social Enterprise Network

If you are running a social enterprise, would like to set one up, or would just like to know more about social enterprise, then this site is for you. You can find out about what support is available, the latest news in the world of social enterprise and identify useful contacts.

What is WSSEN and what can it do for you?

"Social enterprise: businesses making a difference"

The WSSEN annual event will take place on the 23rd February 2012 at Billingshurst Village Hall.

Download the programme for further details and use the booking form to book your place. This is a free event with limited places to be allocated on a first come first served basis, so book early to avoid disappointment. 

Getting down to business with Social Enterprise

As part of WSSEN and West Sussex County Council’s commitment to support community, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in West Sussex, we would like to invite YOU to take part in our forthcoming FREE workshops programme, aimed at helping your organisation to get started and to operate successfully as a social business. To book email harry.forster@ruralsussex.org.uk or call 01273 473422

Download the full programme below:

Workshop Programme

The first event is a half day workshop taking place on 2nd February to find out about social enterprise. This event includes a visit to Self Unlimited and Sussex Orchards, Walberton, West Sussex. For further details please find attached the programme. To book a place contact Harry Forster on 01273 473422 or email: harry.forster@ruralsussex.org.uk

Please note this is a fully subsidised event; places are limited and they will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Depending on demand we reserve the right to limit places to one per organisation.

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  Find skilled volunteers with SkillShare West Sussex

Are you looking for  volunteers with a particular skill for your voluntary and community organisation or social enterprise? SkillShare West Sussex is a new web-based tool to complement the volunteer centre service aimed at those wanting to give a small amount of time, between 1 and 10 days. Register for FREE at: www.skillshare-westsussex.org.uk. Before advertising the site to companies and individuals in the community we would like to fill the site with opportunities, so make sure you register yours ASAP. This is a project of the West Sussex CVS Network and it is funded by West Sussex County Council.

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Former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears MP has called for a legal definition for social enterprises, Nick Hurd has conceded that such a definition may be required. Read more on the Social Value Bill section.

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Third Force Report - an assessment of the economic impact of the Third Sector in West Sussex

The Third Force report has been commissioned to the University of Chichester by WSCC. The aim of this report is to establish some clarity as to the economic value of community, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in West Sussex.  The report also offers a set of recommendations for public and third sector organisations. Read the full report Part 1 [1.74mb] and Part 2 [1.68mb], or read the Summary report [219kb]

The West Sussex Social Impact Measurement (SIM) Handbook is now available!

Click on the image to see and use an online version of the Handbook for Free! Or go to the SIM Handbook page of the WSSEN website for further information on the Handbook and its creation.

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Big Venture Challenge: A national competition to find the 25 most ambitious social entrepreneurs in England. Find out more here: Link
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“Beginners Guide to…” factsheets
The se² partnership has produced a series of factsheets aimed at demystifying some of the hot topics that came out of recent surveys, consultations and focus groups. There are currently 6 in the series: Social Enterprise - A Beginners Guide to… Social Franchising & Replication; Delivering Public Services; Procurement & Tendering; Social Impact Measurement; Diversifying Income Sources; and Building Consortia in the Social Enterprise Sector. The factsheets are designed for the ‘beginners’ level and are not a thorough examination of the subject. To download factsheets from the se² partnership website visit: http://www.se2partnership.co.uk

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Banner Images Courtesy of:   (1) Sussex Saddelbacks; (2) Wood@Aldingbourn; (3) 4SIGHT

Social Enterprise of the Month

Bike for Life

See previous Social Enterprise of the Month