Supporting Social Enterprise and Sustainability
“SMV’s Social Enterprise and Sustainability Committee is increasingly focused on the promotion of the green agenda, working to identify strategies and projects that will help Bristol to achieve its zero-carbon goal. While we continue to be active in many other projects, in particular affordable housing, carbon reduction remains a key theme because it is essential to all aspects of modern life.”
David Powell, Chair of SMV Social Enterprise & Sustainability Committee
The SMV Social Enterprise & Sustainability Committee was initially established to develop and implement strategies that would enable the use of business skills to address social problems on an efficient and sustainable basis.
Early on, it was evident that potential sources of significant funding for social enterprises were in fact difficult for new or fledgling businesses to access in the absence of a proven track-record or credible backing.
To address this challenge, a number of regional institutions came together to establish a Community Interest Company (CIC), providing a focal point for social enterprises seeking practical and financial support for projects capable of repaying long-term loan capital.
Bristol & Bath Regional Capital CIC (BBRC) was founded in 2015, supported by SMV alongside a number of other regional institutions. BBRC prioritises the promotion of employability and enterprise, as well as the development of homes, communities and community assets.
With BBRC now going strong, the SMV Social Enterprise & Sustainability Committee is actively focusing on collaborative projects across the region that will help Greater Bristol to achieve its zero carbon goal.
Sustainability
The dynamic combination of skills, expertise, knowledge and connections that the Committee’s members bring to the mix allows us collaboratively to explore emerging opportunities and initiatives that could potentially have a huge impact on the region, and on the planet.
As we consider a wide range of different projects against SMV’s ten-year strategy, we’re grateful for the expertise and support provided by partner organisations including the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England, and BBRC, where the theme of sustainability threads through so much of what they’re already doing.
Amongst the initiatives that we’re exploring together is the
design and development of eco-friendly, affordable social
housing across the city; as well as supporting community-led initiatives such as Ambition Lawrence Weston, where a community-owned wind turbine is proving transformational to the socio-economic success of the area.
