Business Link in London

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Business Link in London Social Enterprise support
Tamara Pekelman
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Who are we?

• Funded by the London Development Agency
• We offer FREE support to business and social
  enterprise
• Small and medium sized enterprises in London.
• Businesses and social enterprises can turn to us
  whether they are looking to start up, expand or
  trying to manage through the recession. We served
  161,132 businesses and social enterprises last
  year.
• Across all sectors (health, culture, sport,
  education)

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How we do it

• Intro surgeries for pre start-ups
• Free and impartial 1-1 advice
• Online information, fact sheets, tools.
• Conferences and seminars in partnership with
  other key agencies
• Referrals to relevant support services and
  opportunities.

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www.bllondon.com/socialenterprise

• Setting up
• Funding and finance
• Developing your social enterprise
• Opening new markets
• Case studies
• Events
• News
• Contact us

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Why is everyone talking social enterprise?

• Recognition of way forward
• Are providing innovative solutions to existing
  problems
• Reduction in public funding - need to look at new
  ways of generating income
• Increasing opportunities to bid for contracts
• This requires a more professional and competitive
  approach

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So youve had a great ideanow what?

• Get support and advice understand the basics
• Research and plan!
• You need to ensure there is a demand for your
  services and products
• Is your proposition the best way to tackle the
  social issue you have identified?
• And how will you sustain it what will be your
  business model?

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Finance and funding

• Ideally you would maximise the diverse options
  available to social enterprises
• But dont stretch yourself
• Be realistic
• Different income streams require different
  strengths
• Might require change in mindset organisational
  culture
• Make sure your legal structure is right

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Top tips for success

• Have a clear mission/message
• Best to focus on what your strengths are, than
  trying to be too much to too many people
• Make sure you are relevant, current, needed.
• Surround yourself by people who complement your
  skills
• Keep at it!

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• www.bllondon.com/socialenterprise
• 0845 6000 787