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NEW TRAINING PROGRAMMES LAUNCHED TO BOOST BUSINESS IN WEST SUSSEX |
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Written by coder
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Wednesday, 20 December 2006 |
An exciting new training programme has been launched to encourage social enterprises to grow and flourish in West Sussex.
Social enterprises are businesses that reinvest their profits to deliver lasting social and environmental benefits.
Well known social enterprises include the Big Issue, the Co-operative Group and the Eden Project in Cornwall. But there are many other social enterprises in a wide range of industries ranging from farmers' markets and recycling companies to transport providers and childcare.
They are rapidly growing in importance and contribute £8.4 billion to the UK economy.
In West Sussex there are already many successful social enterprises. They include wood recycling, organic vegetable production, and antique furniture restoration businesses, through to a planetarium and a painting and decorating service delivered by students.
To encourage more businesses of this kind the West Sussex Social Enterprise Steering Group with support from West Sussex County Council has organised a series of inspirational training courses. At the same time they have prepared a programme for budding social entrepreneurs to visit existing enterprises to learn from their experience and to enhance their contacts.
The sessions will include workshops which range from the practical to the financial and legal aspects of running a business of this kind.
The visits to existing social enterprises include the Aldingbourne Country Centre, which runs six social enterprises to support adults with learning difficulties; the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester; and Dizzy, a Community Interest Company which raises money through charity shops to raise diabetes awareness.
Louise Goldsmith, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: "Social Enterprises are a growing and important part of the local economy. I am delighted that we are able to offer these training courses and visits in order to help and inspire more social entrepreneurs.
"This initiative will help to ensure that social enterprises continue to grow and flourish in West Sussex."
For further information and details of how to join the training courses and the visits contact, Ana Fajardo, West Sussex Economic Development Manager on 01243 777 606
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 03 June 2007 )
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