Case
Studies -
Social economy, enterprise and business development
The Secret Garden, Letham.
Business support for the development of an innovative outdoor children's nursery.
Background
Initial contact was made on behalf of SENSCOT (2006) to assess and support opportunities for development as a social enterprise. A number of options and initiatives were subsequently explored by the management committee on the future development of the Secret Garden at Monimail, including the production of a full development plan, complemented by a strategic business plan. (2007)
Methodology and Outcomes
Assisted with the clarification of a number of initiatives generated in the previous plans, synthesised ideas, updated research, undertook a community profiling exercise and SWOT.
Produced an operational business plan for the development of the Secret Garden as a community led, outdoor pre- school nursery- a developing social asset for Letham and the Howe of Fife.
The Secret Garden has moved, in two years, from a child minding service to recent success in becoming an accredited Fife Council pre-school child care provider. The nursery is currently recruiting children and hopes to induct and train staff, prior to opening as a full time nursery on 8 September, 2008.
November 2007-April 2008
http://www.secretgardenoutdoor-nursery.co.uk
Tombreck Action Group TAG Ltd
Project support for the development of the BIG SHED as a community asset and social enterprise.
Background
Business support and local community capacity building to enable the vision of a rural action group , on the banks of Loch Tay, to develop a new build , affordable managed eco workspace , housing micro businesses, social enterprises and play host to local community groups and arts and cultural activities..
Methodology and outcomes
The work involved desk research including community profiling, proof of concept, gap analysis and additional research into affordable studio rental accommodation for artists. The project was facilitated by an away day; project management techniques (Prince 2) were introduced for project planning; a number of funding applications were made from investing in Ideas to BLF outline and full proposal stages under the Growing Community Assets strand.
Tombreck Action Group is currently considering progressing towards registration as a Community Interest Company (CIC).They are currently awaiting the results of their recently submitted BLF application.
TAG Ltd is now progressing towards Development Trust status. It has been successful in securing significant BLF funding (May 2008) supportrd by match funding from Perth & Kinross Council and Scottish Enterprise Tayside.
http://www.tombreck.co.uk
Arts & Communities Association (Scotland) Ltd
Feasibility study and strategic business plan for the development on an arts & cultural social enterprise.
Background
Business support to the Arts & Communities Association Board or the development of a medium to longer-term strategy for the continuation of the innovative pilot Connector web-based project (2003 -05).
Methodology and Outputs
Work included facilitation of a " blue skies " strategic planning day to help the organisation to clarify objectives; desk research identifying Arts & Cultural funding strands ; consultations with key workers , partners and stakeholders ; updating and revision of the membership list ; commissioning technical evaluations of the existing Connector website and drafting content and technical specifications for a new multi media website ; preparing , developing and publishing a strategic business plan( 2006-2011 ) ; editing the annual reports ( 2005 -2007) published in support of the business plan ; undertaking minor and major funding applications from outline proposal to full application stage under BLF’s Investing in Communities Strand .
Arts & Communities Association are currently planning re-engagement with their core client group.
April 2006-August 2007
Social Enterprise Developments
Programme and project development - consultancy , mentoring, advice, business development for the design, development and piloting of two social enterprises providing holistic ICT support and training to the voluntary and community sectors.
- CraigOwl Communities, Dundee
- Pathways, Aberdeen
Worked with Instep Initiatives (CraigOwl Communities)and Pathways (2001-2005) in partnership with Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP); Robert Gordon University; Communities Scotland and voluntary sector organisations in Dundee, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to gain provider and stakeholder ownership.
The social enterprises Help It (CraigOwl)and Pathways were launched in 2005.They are currently providing a range of ICT and other services to the local voluntary and community sectors. CraigOwl and Pathways have benefited from the support of Communities Scotland, Hillcrest Housing Association and KTP and have accessed a number of additional funding strands.
http://www.craigowl.com/helpit
http://www.pathways-online.org/it.htm
