This project aimed to create an environment where a variety of local bodies that were already involved or interested in supporting social enterprises could start to work more closely together in East and West Sussex.

Background

Social enterprises (socially aware businesses) benefit the wider community by creating economic value through their activities. They help create new markets, goods and services; and offer work opportunities and employment to local people, especially those who find themselves excluded from mainstream workplaces. They have a major role to play in encouraging local enterprise and productivity and in providing effective and innovative services to the local community. They also offer opportunities for social engagement, re-introduction to the workplace and/or employment to individuals otherwise excluded.

Project Outline

The Sussex Social Enterprise Learning Networks project was supported by a grant from BSCKE, Cupp and Business Services at the University of Brighton. The project aimed to create an environment where a variety of local bodies that were already involved or interested in supporting social enterprises started to work more closely together in East and West Sussex. The project was built on the success of the ProfitNet Learning Networks programme which was developed and delivered by CENTRIM (Centre for Research in Innovation Management) in partnership with Business Services from the University of Brighton. Through Learning Networks, the project enabled social enterprises across Sussex to share and gain knowledge, skills and best practice and explored solutions that really helped them succeed.

Project Partners

The University of Brighton worked with the Brighton Business School, West Sussex County Council, 1066 Enterprise and Newhaven Enterprise Gateway on this project.