Social Economy Support Programme

What is the Social Economy?
By launching businesses, known as social enterprises, community groups use trade as a means of achieving their social aims. Collectively known as the Social Economy, the sector includes a wide range of ventures - from small 'charity' shops to sophisticated businesses.

The marriage of social purpose with commercial trade creates a business with a distinct character, and it makes a unique contribution to community development.

URBAN II and the Social Economy
 

Developing the Social Economy in inner north Belfast was a key strand of the URBAN II initiative. 25 groups received training and mentoring support in the preparation of business plans. Of these, 8 launched new businesses or expanded an existing venture. Building on that success, the North Belfast Partnership  launched  phase 2 of the Social Economy Support Programme (SESP 2).
	Sonia and Billy from Loughside Credit Union have benefitted from the Social Economy Support Programme

Social Economy Development Manager
SESP 2 ran from December 2006 to the closure of URBAN II in late 2008 and was managed by a dedicated manager on the Partnership staff - Michael Paul.

Michael's role was to provide support for the existing URBAN II social enterprises and to stimulate and develop new social economy activity.

Further Information

Read the independent evaluation of SESP Phase 1.