Support For Social Enterprises

20th Feb 2012

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is supporting community organisations to achieve their full potential, while at the same time providing a valuable contribution to the community. 

The Council has approved its latest round of funding under the European Regional Development Fund, South East Wales Community Economic Development (SEWCED) programme.  

The Fund supports both revenue and capital projects for up to three years in a bid for social enterprises and community organisations to develop projects with the main aim of making the organisation more economically sustainable. 

Since the SEWCED programme was launched in December 2010, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has awarded funding to 15 local organisations. 

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities, said: ”The Council recognises the importance of Social Enterprise, and through the South East Wales Community Economic Development (SEWCED) fund is helping new and existing social enterprises to succeed. 

“Many commercial businesses would consider themselves to have social objectives, but social enterprises are distinctive because their social or environmental purpose is central to what they do. Rather than maximising shareholder value their main aim is to generate profit to further their social and environmental goals. In recent years, the major contribution made by the voluntary sector to the local economy, and the potential for it to have an even greater impact, is increasingly being recognised. Community or social enterprises create much needed employment and provide valuable services at a local level. For example, they can have a particularly helpful role in addressing the key issue of economic inactivity. We need to harness these benefits, by helping to start up more social enterprises, and by developing management capacity and social entrepreneurship at the local community level.” 

One of the organisations to benefit from the latest round of SEWCED funding, approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, is Dark Sky Wales Education Services Ltd, a team of entrepeneurs who offer a wide range of exciting workshops. 

Dark Sky Wales manager Alan Trow said: “We have built on our successful relations with a number of different organisations. Our aim is to inspire science education and lifelong learning as well as encourage careers in science and technology and promote the dark skies above Wales. 

Dark Sky Wales is to use the SEWCED funding to employ an additional presenter to develop their astronomy and education programme. 

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has also supported: 

• GTFM (South Wales) Ltd: To upgrade studio equipment and employ marketing staff 
• Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre: For marketing materials and small improvements to their premises. 
• Rhondda Community Business Initiative: To employ a consultant to undertake an Options Appraisal for the Phoenix Centre. 

The programme is delivered in partnership by a six-valleys Local Authority consortium of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly and Torfaen.  

If you would like further information or feel your Social Enterprise would benefit from financial assistance please contact the Regeneration, Resources and Performance Management Team on 01443 495151 or email regen@rctcbc.gov.uk

February - 2012