News

Business start up advice on offer at roadshows

Budding entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their neighbourhood can get top tips from business experts at roadshows taking place across the West Midlands.

The roadshows have been organised by the Accord Group of housing associations and organisation Unltd, which supports social enterprises, as part of a new scheme to support social entrepreneurs called Addventures.

Aimed at people who have a business idea which will have a positive impact on their community, the scheme supports them to set up and sustain a social enterprise. It also supports people to apply for grants from Unltd of £500 to £5,000 to get their idea off the ground.

Roadshows will take place in Coventry, Walsall and Sandwell throughout September and October. Visitors will be able to talk to and get advice from entrepreneurs, network and make useful contacts.

William Lilley, Social Investment Manager for Addventures, said: “For years the Accord Group has worked with communities across the West Midlands, providing affordable homes and services to those most in need.

“But in this current economic climate we know that we must do more than that. We must play our part in stimulating local enterprise and supporting social businesses to grow and flourish.

“There are a lot of people out there who have great ideas for social enterprises which could have a really positive impact on their communities. We’re really keen to hear from them and offer the advice and support that they need to nurture their fledgling enterprises.”

Ade Ladipo, aged 53 from Caldmore, is currently being supported by Addventures to set up his own social enterprise.

Specialising in gardening, landscaping and maintenance, the business will use some of its profits to set up sensory gardens and provide services for older and disabled people.

“There are lots of elderly and disabled people that find it difficult to maintain their gardens so some of the money that we make will be used to provide free gardening services to them.

“I’ve always had a passion for gardening and growing my own food and it will be great to be able to share that with others.”

Roadshows will take place at Ribbon Court extra care scheme, Foleshill, Coventry, on 21 September (12.30pm-3pm), SWEDA – The Business Centre, West Bromwich, on 14 October (12pm-3pm) and The Crossing at St Paul’s, Walsall, on 26 October (12pm-3pm).

There are 62,000 businesses in the UK that are classed as social enterprises. Just like a normal business they compete to sell goods or services but have a social or environmental aim at their core.

Famous examples that are considered to be social enterprises include the Big Issue Magazine and restaurant Fifteen run by chef Jamie Oliver.

For more information about Addventures, or to register your interest in attending a roadshow, call William Lilley on 0300 111 7000 extension 3883 or 07717 000 607 or email williaml@accordgroup.org.uk

For more information about Ade’s social enterprise, call him on 07427 574 101.