Social Economy Support Programme

What is the Social Economy?
By launching businesses, known as social enterprises, community groups use trade as a means of achieving their social aims. Collectively known as the Social Economy, the sector includes a wide range of ventures - from small 'charity' shops to sophisticated businesses.

The marriage of social purpose with commercial trade creates a business with a distinct character, and it makes a unique contribution to community development.

URBAN II and the Social Economy

Developing the Social Economy in inner north Belfast has been a key strand of the URBAN II initiative. To date (December 2006), 25 groups have received training and mentoring support in the preparation of business plans. Of these, 8 have launched new businesses or expanded an existing venture. Building on that success, the North Belfast Partnership is pleased to launch phase 2 of the Social Economy Support Programme (SESP 2).

Sonia and Billy from Loughside Credit Union have benefitted from the Social Economy Support Programme

Social Economy Development Manager
SESP 2 will run from December 2006 to the closure of URBAN II in late 2008 and will be managed by a dedicated manager on the Partnership staff - Michael Paul.

Michael's role is to provide support for the existing URBAN II social enterprises and to stimulate and develop new social economy activity. Interested groups or individuals should contact the SEDM on 028 9075 2990 or e-mail: michael.paul@nthbp.org.

Further Information
E-mail the Social Economy Development Manager.
Access the online social economy training course.
Read the independent evaluation of SESP Phase 1.
Register for inclusion in SESP 2 e-mail communications.