Finance and growth

It's often tempting to think 'I'll just do it, it'll be quicker' when it comes to running a social venture with limited resources – but if this happens all the time the alarm bells should start ringing because it can be detrimental to business success. 

Nobody is saying you need to hire mystic meg, but if your aim is to be a succesful social enterprise, you need to be able to see your business into the future.

Why being swallowed up can be a good thing for social enterprises, if you can beat fear and ride the wave.

Social entrepreneurs need to check in with reality to reap the benefits of social investment. There's a cold hard truth out there, but if you can handle it, you're winning.

Don't copy someone else's business idea, but do follow them down the road to success. Fusion 21 set a bold example.

The UK's social investment tax relief is specifically designed to help grow social businesses. But how will it support your venture? And can we expect it to transform the social enterprise sector at large?

Choose the right clothes (and shoes), listen to Scrooge, and don't win bad contracts, be a hero or think like a charity. Don't forget who you are or forget to plan. Oh – and remember to ask for help!

Outcomes-based commissioning is here to stay. How can can your organisation take advantage of it?