Who is Social Venture School for and how do I attend?

Social Venture School is for anyone with an idea that helps other people, the planet and communities. Social Venture School takes 10 hours to complete, either across two consecutive days or shorter sessions over 4 consecutive weeks (depending on location).

I’ve already established my business idea – can I still attend?

If you think the content will be impactful to your organisation, we are happy for you to attend.

I’ve heard about Community Interest Companies and Charities? What’s the best legal structure for me?

These are questions we are often asked. We can’t and won’t tell you the answer, but we will coach you through the available options.

Is your service free?

We often have a programme in place that means access to our Social Venture Start-up support is free for you to access.

How much does it cost to set up a Community Interest Company or Registered Charity?

Its £27 to register a CIC with Companies House. There is no fee for registering a Charity, unless you’re starting an incorporated charity, then there is a small fee to Companies House of £13.

Can I set up a Charity or CIC and get paid?

You can get paid as a director in CIC, but it needs to be benchmarked and fair. As a charity, you need permission from the Charity Commission to be a trustee and a paid member of staff.

What is involved in the role of CIC Director?

Using your skills to benefit the organisation; whilst acting responsibly and exercising reasonable care (e.g. meeting regularly with your board to discuss operational issues and keep an eye on finances).

A CIO is an incorporated structure designed for Charities. You create a CIO through the charity commission. Unlike a registered charity, trustees have limited or no liability for CIO debts or liabilities.

Start-up a social business

We want to hear your ideas for tackling a social or environmental issues…

Participate provides support to help people start and grow Social Ventures – this includes charities, social enterprises, community projects, co-operatives or community businesses.

Social Venture School

Learn how to start, develop and lead a social enterprise, small charity, co-op or other social project.

Social Venture School is for individuals and groups who have an idea for social change. Attending ‘Social Venture School’ is free and provides access to expert support to help you plan your enterprise journey. The school will help you to build a plan for your venture, covering topics such as

business planning
legal structures
finance and funding
marketing
impact monitoring

You will meet inspirational speakers from other local enterprises and join a network of like-minded people.

Find Out More
Starting a Social Business

We support local people by helping them explore and develop business ideas.

Whether you’re a beginner who wants to make explore an idea, or someone who’s just started a business and wants help to grow, we’re here to help.

Connect with our team

We have Social Venture Schools across west Yorkshire – please enter your details to find out when our next schools are.

FAQs

Social Venture Support

Through one to one support and coaching our team can help you to start, develop and grow your social idea.

I want to start a new organisation

Participate can support you to register a new Charity, Community Interest Company, Co-operative or Community Benefit Society. We will also help you to think about:

Drawing up a constitution
Finance (Banking, Budgeting, Income Generation)
Business Planning and Strategy
Marketing and Impact

You can also become part of a peer network of like-minded people who meet to share their experiences. If you require specialist help, we can refer you to our network of partners, or help you access skilled volunteers.

FAQs

Connect with our team

Enquire about our Social Venture Support

Case Studies

Supporting Enterprise in Keighley
The Keighley Community Led Local Development (CLLD) scheme was part of a five year multi-million pound programme which was part-funded through European Structural and Investment Funds and Bradford Council.
Start-up a Social Business
IMAS
Breaking down barriers in sport – Taking an idea from local to global. IMAS emerged from the wish of a student from Bradford with Cerebral Palsy to play full contact rugby.
Start-up a Social Business
Made in Manningham
Made in Manningham - Empowering Places. Participate delivered the Power to Change - Empowering Places programme in Manningham between 2021 and 2023.
Start-up a Social Business

Start-up a social business

Social Venture School

Find Out More Starting a Social Business

Connect with our team

FAQs

Social Venture Support

I want to start a new organisation

FAQs

Connect with our team

Case Studies

Find Out More
Starting a Social Business