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Lessons learned with Social Enterprise Clients

posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:39 AM

So here's a quick update on what Manni is up to .(well this is a drop in the ocean)..........

1. Childrens workshops in East London - my clients is doing OK, we managed to help them apply for funds, update their business plan, organise holiday schools and release marketing material. As a result they have managed to bring business to an even keel. However, the funds have not come through yet, and this maybe because some of you social enterprises are determined to use ATM machines for withdrawing cash, don't do it! Set up accounts with suppliers and get two people to sign for any cash withdrawn. Yes its a pain but its good cash managment.

2. BAME community organisation - we helped set this group up and things are going rather well. In 209 we will be able to run classes for local children as well as refugees to help increase community cohesion North London. Still waiting for funding replies.... but the signs are good, I have to say. Look out for some interesting festivals in Haringey / Finsbury this Christmas and next Summer!

3. A community gym and wellbeing centre in East London - A lot of funding applications have been submitted, These guys are going great guns, they have secured contracts with local housing associations, the council and other groups to provide alternative health services. Crucially these guys have created GP referral scheme, brilliant! My only concern is that you don't want to dream too much and forget what your bread and butter is in terms of those magical contracts as opposed to front line work.

4. A youth empowerment company based on helping children NEET (Not in Education or employment) to gain life, social and employability skills. Brilliant clients, very hard working and watch out for flurry of activity during Black History month in October. Funding is being waited upon, but crucially we have helped this client to become sustainable, with the funding becoming a nice to have, that's how it should be.

And generically a few pointers......

1. Have a sustaiability strategy before a funding strategy

2. Making money is not dirty or imoral, it's key to working with the people you want to help

3. Please please please, make sure you have business plan , even if you are an Unincorporated Constituted Community Organisation.

4. Seek help and support

5. Identify a need, don't assume, make sure what you want to offer is needed.

6. Make sure you have the right governance structure, CIC's, by Shares, By guarantee, unincorporated, a Social Enterprise can take any business structure. But what you can do and apply for will be affected.

7. Make sure you're back office is sorted before you try to do anything.

8. Look at Social Loans , they are great and they will support you.

9. And finally, act like a business person.. Go to meeting smart and prepared. Looking casual does not make you seem more human, but rather unprofessional.

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