Just Enterprise are offering a series of half day business development workshops on crucial aspects of social enterprise activity. Aimed at employees and members of existing enterprising third sector organisations, the events are FREE to attend and are scheduled in response to demand for specific topics and themes:

Thursday 19 April
Business Planning - 9.30am - 12:30pm
If an organisation doesn't know where it's going then the chances are it will probably end up somewhere else. This business planning workshop will help you to review your current strategy and begin to plan how you want to deliver your services in the future. Covering the stages involved in developing a business plan, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to gather and assess information, the session will be fully interactive allowing participants to share knowledge, experience and ideas.

Marketing - 1.30pm - 4.30pm
How does your organisation move to a marketing perspective? What strategic and tactical questions do you need to answer and is there an advantage in promoting your social aims? Attendance at this workshop will help you with these questions and more.

These workshops will be held at 81a Castle Street, Inverness, IV2 3EA
Tea & coffee will be provided at both sessions and lunch will be provided for delegates attending both morning and afternoon sessions

Wednesday 16 May
Costing - 9.30am - 12:30pm
One of the most important issues for an organisation is to determine the cost of the services/products you provide. In order to recover your costs and pitch services/selling prices at the right level it is essential to have accurate knowledge of what your service actually costs. This workshop explains how you can accurately cost your services on a full cost recovery basis. Using recognised techniques, the workshop uses ‘live’ data from an organisation that delivers four separate services and demonstrates how to reallocate all central and administration costs to each service. 

Pricing - 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Do you know how to set prices for the services/products your organisation provides? Are you leaving additional earnings on the table when you pitch your prices or are you not sure? This workshop will show you how to price your services and explains a variety of techniques used in product pricing.

These workshops will be held at Ness Horizons Business Centre, Inverness, IV2 3BW
Tea & coffee will be provided at both sessions and Crown Deli will be available at lunch time should delegates wish to purchase lunch. 

Apply here for a free place on a business development workshop
 
 
 
The Finance for Practitioners course is designed around practical financial solutions that can be employed in any organisation. Delegates get the opportunity to learn specific skills designed to enhance the standard of knowledge and reporting in organisations. The training is normally delivered over a 2 day period and has been timetabled to take place in a number of locations across Scotland during 2012. However, recognising that some organisations are based in remote geographic areas and that there may be others who can’t afford the time to travel to one of our scheduled delivery locations we have developed an on-line version of the training to ensure this learning opportunity is open to all those who are eligible.

The course is ideal for those who may have limited knowledge of finance but whose responsibilities include managing a budget, controlling cost, pricing or cash control.  As this is a practical course there is no need to have any formal accounting experience however delegates from any background are welcome to take part.

There are 7 modules to complete as follows:
1 - Finance Terminology – what things mean
2 - Essential Financial Controls – including bank reconciliation exercise
3 - Construct an annual Income & Expenditure budget for an organisation
4 - Construct an annual Cash Flow budget for an organisation
5 - How to cost your services on a full cost recovery basis
6 - How to price your services based on their cost
7 - Financial ratios – how to calculate them to measure your performance

How the Course Works
The course is completed by email and telephone where required, and is on a one-to-one basis. There is no time limit to complete the course, however we would hope delegates can finish the course over a 3-month period.

Delegates complete each module one at a time, submit their answers and exercises when complete, can seek advice on any points they are unsure of and then move on to the next module.

There is no requirement to submit exercises if delegates feel they have grasped the subject – they simply email confirming their current module is complete and request the next module.

Each delegate will have a tutor assigned to help with the course if required. You are free to make contact by telephone or email at any time.

Modules are assessed by the tutor on a periodic basis however delegates should take account of the volume of numbers completing the course – there can be delays in getting back to you (holiday periods, etc) but we endeavour to keep these to a minimum.

This is a unique opportunity to learn some of the skills and knowledge our tutors have built up over a number of years - working in real organisations where accurate accounting information is vital to long-term growth and sustainability.

To apply for a place visit Just Enterprise website: on www.justenterprise.org then learning/thematic programmes/apply here for a place on a practitioners course - or call Emma Stratton on 0141 425 2939.

 
 
Exceptional leadership is needed to run a social enterprise, meeting a social purpose while balancing the books.

To meet Scotland's present and future challenges, innovative, sustainable solutions are required. Leading Growth will bring leaders from different organisations, working in social enterprise, for a powerful learning experience, that links leadership theories to your practice.

Based on action learning, this leadership journey will give you regular time and space to reflect, share your experiences with peers, and find support, learning and insight in return. Gain the tools and strategies you need to develop your abilities as an effective leader capable of meeting the challenge of growing your organisation to maximise your social impact.

Topics include:
  • Leadership Roles and Theories 
  • Emotional Intelligence 
  • Negotiation & Motivation 
  • Setting and Communicating Direction 
  • Action Learning
To find out more and to book your place click here
 
 
ABSEN Conference & AGM—Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Wed 5th, Tue 6th & Friday 7th October, 2011
Have you booked your place yet?
As you are probably aware the ABSEN Conference and AGM will take place on the 5th, 6th and 7th of October, 2011 at the Victoria Hotel in Rothesay. Time is running out and if you intend coming along please get your booking in now! If you are not a Member—join now at no cost. The full agenda is available here
  • You could win £500 !
  • Hear the Big Lottery update
  • Free business support from Just Enterprise
  • Mike Russell MSP will be there on Friday—fancy a word?
  • Councillor Rory Colville—Spokesperson for Third Sector &Communities joins us on Thursday
Download the application form and send them to Bill Stewart as soon as possible on 07932622952 or by e-mail at
william.stewart@absen.org.uk

Don’t forget your 2 minute Pitch for the Dragon’s Den Competition!!
If you have a good business idea why not enter the competition? Its absolutely FREE and you could win a prize of £500 and support for your organisation. All you have to do is make a two minute presentation to four “dragon’s”, answer some questions and the prize could be yours! Download the form now

Applications for the conference, accommodation and workshops are being dealt with on a first come first served basis. We have now received a significant number of bookings so if you haven’t sent yours in yet, get it in now and give yourself a
chance of attending the workshops and visit of your choice, and getting a place at the Policy Breakfast.
 
 
INVERNESS: Saturday 17/09/2011, 11:00-14:00 @SHIMCA, 1 Ardconnel Terrace, Inverness IV2 3AE

Social Enterprises are a profit making business with a difference. If you're thinking about starting a business, or if you have an idea for a business, we can offer you advice and support.
These workshops are designed to enhance the skills of Young (16-25) Ethnic Minority people, providing a firm introduction to Social Enterprise and FREE support to anyone coming to Social Enterprise for the first time.
These workshops are interactive and will give you an opportunity to ask the questions you need to start a new project or advance an existing project. Lunch will be provided. 
To book your place please phone Faheem Bhatti, Social Enterprise Officer
on 0141 248 4830 or email faheem.bhatti@cemvoscotland.org.uk

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Just Enterprise hits the ground and Growth Fund announced - http://eepurl.com/e3sTc
 
 
Scotland's third sector has been given a 'massive boost' with the launch of two new programmes to help enterprising organisations grow and operate more efficiently. The Just Enterprise programme and the Enterprise Growth Fund are accessed through a new online access point at www.justenterprise.org.uk
Just Enterprise business support is available for social entrepreneurs and Enterprising Third Sector Organisations. A range of support from a telephone advisory service, one to one development support, business consultancy and workshops, learning programmes and leadership courses are available.

Just Enterprise will deliver business support and learning services across Scotland and will integrate for the first time, start up, business support and learning and development services. Successful applicants to the programme will receive a range of support including client management advisory services, feasibility studies, business planning, marketing, financial management and developing the sustainability of an Enterprising Third Sector.

Finance Secretary John Swinney launched the programmes on Monday 18th July at the offices of Specialisterne in Glasgow. The social enterprise, which trains people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, has built the online access point for both programmes.

Mr Swinney said: "Social enterprises, voluntary organisations and community organisations play an important part in Scottish society. They can deliver superb services, from creating employment opportunities to connecting with most the vulnerable people in our society. " These two new programmes will work closely together to make sure that the organisations we fund benefit from appropriate business support.

Gerry Higgins, CEiS Chief Executive Officer, said: “An Enterprising Third Sector deserves high-quality business support and learning services delivered by those that understand the sector. Just Enterprise will provide scaled-up, joined up business development services for Enterprising Third Sector Organisations across Scotland. Our goal is net growth for the sector. That means increasing the number of new organisations and the value of existing organisations. Just Enterprise is delighted the Scottish Government has continued to support the sector through the launch of this initiative.”

The Wise Group with partners CEiS, DSL and the Social Value Lab, has been awarded the contract to manage and administer a £4 million Scottish Government Fund to support Growth and development of the Third Sector in Scotland. Enterprise Growth Fund will be awarding grants between £25,000 and £200,000 to support long term objectives. Awards will be made to those organisations that demonstrate the greatest potential for growth and sustainability. The fund will invest in organisational services and structures and will be open to applications from late August. For more information call 0141 303 3131.
For further information on Just Enterprise and the Enterprise Growth Fund and to apply for support, visit our website at www.justenterprise.org.uk

 
 
Scotland's third sector has been given a 'massive boost' with the launch of two new programmes to help enterprising organisations grow and operate more efficiently.The £3 million Just Enterprise programme will deliver a wide range of business support to social entrepreneurs and third sector organisations across Scotland. It will lead to the creation of an online hub where organisations can go for support and assistance.A further £4 million pounds will be provided through the Enterprise Growth Fund...read more