Social Enterprises, Charities and Co ops

Who is this course for?
This course is designed for individuals, entrepreneurs, community organisers, and early-stage business founders who are exploring social enterprise as a way to create meaningful change. If you’re considering setting up a mission-driven organisation and are unsure whether a B-Corp, Co-operative, Community Interest Company (CIC), or Registered Charity is right for you, this course will provide the clarity you need. It’s ideal for those in the planning phase or anyone looking to restructure an existing initiative to align with social value goals.

Overview:
Starting a social enterprise involves more than just having a great idea—you need the right legal and operational structure to support your mission. This course breaks down the key differences between various social enterprise models, covering their advantages, challenges, and compliance requirements. You’ll gain insight into the principles behind Co-operatives, the flexibility of CICs, the legal obligations of Registered Charities, and the rising popularity of B-Corps. We’ll also explore how to register your organisation, access funding, and maintain good governance practices. Sustainability, social value, and long-term impact are woven into every topic to help you build a resilient, purpose-led enterprise.

Agenda Includes:

• Why choose a social enterprise structure?
• Comparing models: CIC, B-Corp, Co-operative, Charity, and more
• Co-operative principles, legal forms, and model rules
• Registration processes (FCA, Companies House, Co-ops UK)
• Financial management and compliance essentials
• Fundraising and support networks
• Action Zero: sustainability and social value
• Next steps and personalised to-do list

By the end of this course, you’ll be better equipped to launch or evolve a socially driven organisation with confidence and clarity.