The Sheffield Social Enterprise Network, alongside Sheffield City Council, have announced a new support programme to help both new and established social enterprises throughout the city.
In partnership with Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South Yorkshire Community Foundation, the Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) will provide specialist business support and advice for social enterprises.
The programme aims to create at least 30 new social enterprises in Sheffield, whilst also supporting a minimum of 100 established social enterprises in the city.
“Through SEGA, social enterprises can demonstrate that they can be the city’s trailblazers, galvanising the changes necessary to shape the future of Britain’s economy into a sustainable one.”
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the government’s Levelling Up agenda, through the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, SEGA covers four key topics including engagement and diagnostic services, specialist support, marketing and communication and referrals and networking.
Terry Murphy, CEO of the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network, said: “The SEGA programme will facilitate the development of a more connected Social Enterprise sector and support social entrepreneurs to develop the skills and knowledge they need.
“Through SEGA, social enterprises can demonstrate that they can be the city’s trailblazers, galvanising the changes necessary to shape the future of Britain’s economy into a sustainable one.”
CEO of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Louisa Harrison-Walker, added: “One of Sheffield’s strengths is its thriving social enterprise sector and with collaboration at the heart of everything we do at the Chamber, initiatives like this are exactly what we’re all about.
“Social enterprises are a wonderful example of businesses operating as a force for good so it’s great to be able to contribute our collective business expertise to this cause. SSEN’s impact across the city, of which SEGA is a part, is vital to ensure Sheffield can be a hub for social enterprises.”
Ruth Willis, CEO of the South Yorkshire Community Foundation, also said: “SYCF are looking forward to working with all the partners to the SEGA programme.
“This collaboration between key organisations within Sheffield will lead to a coordinated approach for social enterprise support.”
