How to Start a Social Enterprise

A workshop for prestart /early stage social enterprises that want to understand more about legalities, governance, structures & strategies

Are you thinking of starting a social business? Is there a need in your local community that you would like to serve, but aren't sure how?
There are different ways in which you can operate services in your local area, the structure you choose will depend on a number of factors.
This workshop will explain the different options available to you and the pros and cons of each. You will learn about the legalities, logistics and long term responsibilities and methods of testing before making a final decision.
By the end of the session, participants will:
1. Understand the basic concept of a social enterprise and how it differs from traditional businesses and charities.
2. Gain an overview of key legal structures, including Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and Community Interest Company (CIC), Unincorporated Association etc.
3. Learn how to test and validate their ideas before starting a social enterprise.
4. Feel equipped to make informed decisions about whether social enterprise is for them and their next steps.

Bio of Deliverer:
Shelley Metcalfe is a commercially experienced social entrepreneur with over a decade in the corporate sector and more than ten years supporting purpose-led organisations. Her career spans blue-chip companies, start-ups, charities, and community businesses, where she has held strategic, creative, and operational roles. She specialises in empowering social enterprises, charities, and community-led businesses to launch, grow, streamline their operations, maximise impact, and achieve greater results with fewer resources.

Shelley began her career leading marketing for iconic brands such as Smash Hits, The Face, FHM, and Empire, before earning an MSc in Responsible Business Practice from Bath University. She went on to found The Digital Life Skills Company, a social enterprise teaching digital literacy to children and adults, and served as Marketing Director and Trustee for arts charity Barnaby Festival.

With expertise in marketing, community engagement, social impact measurement and reporting, Shelley provides tailored support to organisations looking to make positive change in their communities and beyond. Whether developing efficient workflows, creating impactful campaigns, or designing frameworks to measure and report impact, her approach ensures organisations remain focused on their purpose while achieving sustainable growth.

As this workshop is fully-funded, businesses are subject to funders' eligibility criteria. If your place is confirmed, you will receive an email from us with further details.

• This workshop is strictly for pre-start businesses - ie, people who have not yet started or registered a business. If you have already registered as a business, you can access our specialised support here. Grow your existing business | Enterprising You

• Greater Manchester Clients Only
• Over 18years of age
• Micro business, small and medium-sized enterprise, or large business.
• Please note this workshop is only eligible for clients who have not previously received any prestart support from the business growth hub in the last 2 years

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