Social enterprises in Somerset wanting to put their finger on the digital pulse can sign up for expert advice and guidance by joining workshops in July.

Somerset County Council supports the Enhance Social Enterprise Programme that offers business support and advice in the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area.

The Programme offers 12 hours of fully funded business support to Social Enterprises in Somerset. Themes include measuring social impact and digital marketing and financial sustainability, and support can be on a tailored one-to-one basis or through group workshops.

Digital experts Cosmic, in partnership with Engage West Somerset, the charity that supports the community and voluntary sector, and Spark Somerset, will be running two Digital Leadership programmes in Somerset next month and is inviting people in leadership or management roles in established social enterprises and charities to sign-up.

Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross TA19 9PT – starting Monday on 1 July 2019. Register here: https://bit.ly/2WOz6wq

Williton Pavillion, Robert Street, Williton, Taunton TA4 4PG – starting Tuesday 2 July 2019. Register here: https://bit.ly/2WLE6BZ

Delegates will be able to tap into a range of skills and expertise, network and get a greater understanding of digital leadership and the importance of digital in the modern business world.

A further one-day workshop is being organised on 18 July hosted by the Real Ideas Organisation. The event, Purposeful Business: Balancing Profit and Principles, will bring together practical activities, inspiration from guest speakers, and experts in ethical business to help delegates learn, debate and create a model that works for them.

This workshop runs from 8:15am – 2pm, with an optional additional one-to-one workshop from 2pm – 4pm at the Red Brick Building, Glastonbury and will include a free breakfast and lunch. Register here: : https://bit.ly/2UTtzJ1

Councillor David Hall, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, said: "These workshops offer a real opportunity for Somerset social enterprises looking to develop their digital skills and sustainability. I would encourage them to sign up and make the most of the expertise that's on offer."

A similar style workshop on making community hubs fit for the future was welcomed by delegates who found the networking valuable and the social media guidance relevant as this short video illustrates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qetw4I2MHIMThe Enhance programme is funded by Somerset and Devon County Councils as well as the European Regional Development Fund.

The Heart of the South West Enhance Social Enterprise Programme is receiving up to £1,053,610 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union, ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.