Social Enterprise
The NWDA has an active programme of support for the social
enterprise sector which is being delivered on a sub-regional
basis. Detailed mapping exercises were undertaken in
2003 in each of the Northwest’s five sub-regions to identify the
number and type of social enterprises in each area and their
characteristics, as well as to assess the barriers to their
development and support needs.
Following this, Social Enterprise Partnerships have been
established in each sub-region. These comprise social enterprise
representatives and agencies active in the sector, with support
from the Agency. They were formed to provide forums for
discussion on the development of the social enterprise sector in
their respective areas. Steering groups have also been formed
to develop Social Enterprise Action Plans, with funding from the
NWDA, to take forward the development of the sector in each
sub-region.
The Action Plans were introduced in 2006.
They aim to increase the formation, growth and survival rate
of social enterprises; improve research, information and
communication within the sector; develop new market opportunities
for social enterprise organisations; and to tackle the barriers
that they can face when bidding for contracts. Each Action
Plan aims to develop a long-term strategic vision for
social enterprises in the Northwest in order to maximise
the social, economic and environmental benefits they can
generate for the region.