Supporting Social Enterprise

“SMV’s Social Enterprise 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. We will continue to be active in many other projects, in particular affordable housing, but carbon reduction remains a key theme because it is essential to all aspects of modern life.”

Dr Andrew Garrad, Chair of SMV Social Enterprise Committee

The SMV Social Enterprise Committee was 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 there were a number of potential sources of significant funding for social enterprises, but, in the absence of a proven track-record or credible backing, these were difficult for new or fledgling businesses to access.

To address this challenge, a number of regional institutions came together to establish a Community Interest Company (CIC) to provide 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 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 Committee is focusing on several new collaborative projects within the region.