NHCVS Rural Social Enterprise

What keeps you awake at night?
If you could make a wish, what would you change in your life?
There could be a new way of doing things...
You are not alone and you could make a difference.
You could start a Social Enterprise
You don't have to be an expert. There is support out here.

What is a Social Enterprise?

You may have heard of The Big Issue, Hackney Community Transport, The Co-op, The Eden Project and Jamie Oliver's Fifteen - these are all social enterprises.

More locally 'The Vibe' is an under 18's alcohol free night club in Borehamwood.

The Vibe

'We designed the posters and tickets.' 'We made up the rules.'

In Ware there is a retail training project for adults with learning disabilities at the Guidepost High Street gift shop.

Guidepost

'It's a great way to learn about working in retail. I learnt how to use the till, pricing, serving the public and signing for goods' Ernest (one of the shop's students).

In Much Hadham, Ash Vale Produce provides sheltered employment at the St. Elizabeth's Centre. Residents grow and plant seedlings. The extensive grounds are used to cultivate vegetables for sale for residents, staff and the public.

In Hitchin a Community Transport scheme provides transport solutions for people with mobility problems in the Hitchin area.

'It is excellent, priceless, I wouldn't be able to attend half of my appointments without their support'

Key elements of these projects:

A social purpose such as job creation, training or providing a local service.
They earn income by selling goods or services.
Have a business-like approach.
The profit or surplus is used for the benefit of the project.

Have you got an idea about a project?

Then call North Herts CVS on 01462 689400

One-to-one support for new enterprise development
Support to local communities to manage and maintain community facilities
Links to similar projects
A database of social enterprises