Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations

Bridgend Social Enterprise Network

SEEN 3-Social Economy & Enterprise Network (Third sector)

The SEEN3 network was launched by BAVO’s Director Heidi Bennett at Maesteg Town Hall in September 2010

The network provides a strategic and coordinated voice for the third sector, community benefit organisations and social enterprise sector by representing the views and work of membership organisations and individuals in the Bridgend borough.

The network has benefitted from hearing a number of speakers and presenters with isocial enterprise expertise. These included John Bennett, Chief Executive - Social Enterprise Coalition, San Leonard, Director of Social Firms Wales, Geoff Jones, Community Investment Fund Programme Officer, Elizabeth Plenty – Project Manager Excelsior Plus, Joelle Campbell - Wales Cooperative Centre, Sue Whittaker - New Community Economic Development Grant Scheme and Dawn Rowley, a procurement and tendering expert.

The network is supported by BAVO, Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC), Social Firms and the Wales Cooperative Centre. Membership is free.

If you would like to become a member of this exciting new network please will you fill in the SEEN3 membership form and return it to Esther Price at estherprice@bavo.org.uk

Please download the SEEN3 membership application form

Keep an eye out for our new dedicated website www.seen3.org.uk

For more information contact BAVO on 01656 810400.

South East Wales Community Economic Development (SEWCED) programme

The (South East Wales) Community Economic Development Programme in Bridgend is launching its flexible grant scheme which supports social enterprise projects operating within Bridgend at Bethlehem Life Centre, Cefn Cribbwr on Wednesday 24th August at 9am.

The launch event will follow with a funding fair where local funders and support agencies will be on hand to advise you of what support is available to groups within Bridgend. The project has been supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

The purpose of the Programme is to build sustainable and vibrant communities through the development of social enterprise activities. The grant fund options are aimed at supporting and developing sustainability within the third sector and reducing grant dependency. A support package is available to provide a business development service of advice, guidance, mentoring, training and development initiatives. Who is eligible? The grant funding is available to community based organisations that generate income through trading with a legal structure and social objectives. What support is available?

Grants are available up to £80,000 and are based on up to approximately 70% of the eligible project costs.
Eligible projects could include:
• Purchase of equipment, land and buildings
• Building refurbishment
• Business planning, feasibility studies and marketing strategies
• Staff costs
• Project running costs

Click Here for guidence notes