According to Adam Chambers who leads the Business Link service in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon and Somerset, the challenges and opportunities for Social Enterprises are quite different from those faced by commercial ventures.

�As such organisations are not driven by the need to generate profits for shareholders or individuals, it is essential we provide support that�s tailored fully to meet their unique needs, aspirations and skills. That�s why we�ve teamed up with RISE and Coactive to develop and promote a package of support specifically designed for the county�s most progressive and innovative community groups and charities � to help them grow and prosper while also developing relevant expertise and capacity within the sector as a whole.�

The new support package for Social Enterprises forms part of Business Link�s enhanced range of support services to help ambitious businesses in Cornwall. It is being funded by �6m from the European Union�s Convergence Fund, which aims to provide intensive assistance for regions where economic performance is below the EU average.

One of the best-known Social Enterprises in the region is the Eden Project, However, there are many other smaller organisations throughout Cornwall which operate in a similar way, but at a more local level. The Bosence Farm Community near Hayle, for example, provides temporary supported housing for individuals who are actively in recovery from alcohol and /or drug dependency. Similarly, Mevagissey Activity Centre provides a range of services for the local community, from health checks to fitness.

Anne Mountjoy, Marketing Manager for RISE, stated:
�Community groups, projects or charities looking to become less reliant on grants will benefit from the expert advice, as this substantial business support package is tailored to their specific needs. Individuals or groups thinking of starting a project with a 'trading' element, which will benefit their communities or the environment, can also get advice and support. Cornwall has the potential to become the leader for social enterprise development because Cornish people share such a strong community spirit, and RISE is delighted to promote this initiative.�

Jemima Luckhurst has just been employed by RISE to promote the new service across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Jemima previously worked for Fal River Links, and she will now be based at the Eden Project.

If you work in regeneration, or with voluntary and community organizations and social enterprises or if you are assisting groups or businesses regarding their financial sustainability, then contact to find out more.

If you are not based in Cornwall, Plymouth or Torbay, then visit rise-sw.co.uk to find out how to seek advice.