Surge in Thanet CICs Driven by Social Enterprise Kent

Thanet CIC Boom Fuelled by Social Enterprise Kent's Boost Programme

Thanet has seen a remarkable surge in Community Interest Companies (CICs) since the launch of the Thanet Social Enterprise Boost programme in March 2023. This social enterprise initiative, delivered by Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) thanks to funding from the UK Government through the Social Enterprise Boost Fund, empowers residents to turn their social purpose ideas into impactful businesses.

Since March 2023, CIC incorporations have skyrocketed by a staggering 141% compared to the previous year. A significant 63.41% of these new CICs are directly linked to the Boost programme. A total of 117 fledgling and established social entrepreneurs and social enterprises have been supported to date, spanning health, wellbeing, arts, sports, and more, all delivering valuable services within Thanet. In the first year funding totalling £125,000 has also been awarded to 17 Thanet social enterprises including Don’t Miss Out (Margate) CIC, Mergate CIC, Col’s Kent Bike Tours CIC, YO! Street Zone CIC and Neurodivergent Friends CIC.

Boosting the Social Fabric

These figures highlight the undeniable impact of the Thanet Social Enterprise Boost programme in fostering a thriving social enterprise ecosystem within Thanet. SEK provides the necessary tools and resources to navigate the CIC incorporation process, empowering individuals to translate their ideas into positive social ventures.

Sarah Gibbon of Shoreline Partners, highlights the programme's valuable one-on-one mentoring and group training. "The professional support provided has been instrumental in exploring options for developing my local creative business," says Sarah. "Working with SEK has also provided useful networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with other local business owners."

Georgina Wilson-Powell, founder of Don't Miss Out (Margate) CIC, credits Boost with championing her social enterprise and connecting her with "helpful local contacts." "They've been the helpful cheerleader and critical friend, which is especially useful as a solo founder," Georgina adds. "They know their stuff!"

Lydia Yvorra of Yo! Street Zone CIC expresses their gratitude for the programme's support for non-profits. "Their friendly and highly knowledgeable team guided us through the process and provided invaluable mentoring and workshops," says Lydia. "SEK is truly empowering us in the work we do."

A Brighter Future

The surge in CICs signifies a growing commitment to addressing social and environmental challenges within Thanet. With continued support from programmes like Boost, Thanet is well-positioned to become a hub for social enterprise innovation.

As a social enterprise that has been operating since 1985, SEK understands that running a social enterprise can be a challenge – that’s why they are thrilled to offer a fully funded* tailored support programme to help you scale up your existing enterprise or kickstart your social entrepreneur idea (*eligibility criteria applies).

And that’s not all, accessing the support programme enables you to apply for an Onward Grant of up to £10,000!

The support programme includes a range of benefits that are designed to help you succeed. From one-to-one mentoring and business support to networking opportunities and access to grants, workshops, advice sessions and events. SEK’s Social Enterprise Advisors are experienced business professionals who are passionate about helping social enterprises and social entrepreneurs achieve their goals. They’ll work with you to develop your business plan, create a marketing strategy, and provide advice on everything from finance to social impact reporting.

For further information on eligibility and to sign up visit https://sekgroup.org.uk/support/support-for-organisations/thanet-social-enterprise-boost/ or email boost@sekgroup.org.uk.

Find out more about the Social Enterprise Boost Fund, funded by the UK Government at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-enterprise-boost-fund-local-areas-of-delivery.

About Social Enterprise Kent

Since 1985, Social Enterprise Kent has been supporting communities, individuals and organisations in Kent. As a community interest company, all of their operational activities are guided by a commitment to maximising their positive social impact. They work to bridge gaps, create opportunities for all and work in partnership with the whole community to build the skills and relationships needed to create positive change.

The Social Enterprise Kent team are catalysts for positive change, supporting the regeneration of deprived areas in Kent through job creation, skills development and other programmes. They put communities at the core of everything they do by:

• Providing support for people, particularly in areas of deprivation or for those most disadvantaged, to increase health and wellbeing and gain skills and/or employment.
• Supporting the creation, organisation and management of social enterprises and small enterprises; and helping develop a way of supporting them to be sustainable.
• Creating jobs and skills, to support the regeneration of deprived areas in Kent.

Find out more about Social Enterprise Kent at https://sekgroup.org.uk/.

Contact

Thanet Social Enterprise Boost. Email: boost@sekgroup.org.uk. Tel: 01843 210005.

Kirsty Hawkins, Boost Programme Manager, Social Enterprise Kent CIC. Email: k.hawkins@sekgroup.org.uk