BSSEC CIC

Women Leading Social Enterprises in the West Midlands Celebrating female social entrepreneurs across the West Midlands this International Women’s Day. Meet inspiring leaders building community, opportunity and impact through social enterprise.

Women are playing a vital role in shaping the social economy across the West Midlands.

For #InternationalWomensDay we’re highlighting three inspiring leaders making a difference through social enterprise.

Read the blog: bssec.org.uk/women-leadin...

#SocialEconomy #IWD2026

Our January Social Economy Forum explored how we can better support women-led social enterprises.

Thanks to SWEDA and our inspiring speakers.

Read the session summary: bssec.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Next Forum: 25 March in Dudley, focusing on trading for impact.

#SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

Our latest BSSEC newsletter is out 📩
New blog, new insights and ways to get involved across the social economy.

Subscribe via our website: bssec.org.uk/contact/ or drop us a DM.

#SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

From refurbished bikes to rebuilt communities: Social economy in Coventry and Warwickshire A visit to CWCDA shows how social economy clusters are driving community impact in Coventry and Warwickshire, from co-operative development to the Bike Project tackling travel poverty.

Jakira’s latest Cluster Spotlight visits CWCDA in Coventry & Warwickshire, meeting Mandy and Tim, and exploring how co-operative support, partnerships and the Bike Project are growing the social economy from the ground up 🚲

Read more: bssec.org.uk/growing-the-...

#SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

New BSSEC newsletter out now.

Growth, place-based renewal and opportunities across the West Midlands social economy.

DM us to subscribe.

#SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

Great digital-focused sessions coming up at the West Midlands Business Festival tomorrow, including events from iSE and SWEDA.

Explore the full programme and book your place 👉 booking.wmbf.co.uk

#WMBusinessFestival #SocialEconomy #DigitalSkills

Unlocking Growth Through Social Investment in the West Midlands Social investment is helping West Midlands social enterprises grow, build resilience and increase impact. Tom Bostock from Big Issue Invest shares practical insight and advice.

New blog on the BSSEC website 👇

Tom Bostock (Big Issue Invest) shares practical insight on how social investment is supporting growth and resilience in the West Midlands social economy.

Read here: bssec.org.uk/unlocking-gr...

#SocialInvestment #SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

West Midlands Business Festival is now underway 🎉
Events across the region covering skills, finance, innovation, leadership and more.

See what’s coming up 👉 booking.wmbf.co.uk

#WestMidlandsBusinessFestival #BusinessSupport #SocialEconomy

Aston University’s Social Economy Growth Programme supports organisations under 2 years old with incomes of £10k–£100k, and includes peer learning, mentoring and a £1,000 grant.

🔗 Apply here:
www.aston.ac.uk/business/ace...

#SocialEconomy #VCSE #WestMidlands

Thanks to everyone who joined our Social Economy Forum yesterday. Great to hear from our speakers sharing their journeys as women leading social enterprises.

Huge thanks to Dr Monaa Khurana, Ebony Rebecca, Fiona Allan and Claire Cooksey, and to SWEDA for hosting. Summary coming soon.

Our first BSSEC newsletter of 2026 is out 📬
A gentle start to the year with updates, insight and what’s coming up for the West Midlands social economy.

Not on the list yet? Now’s a good time to join: bssec.org.uk/contact/

#SocialEconomy #VCSE #WestMidlands

Our first Social Economy Forum of 2026 focuses on supporting women-led social enterprises to start and grow.

📅 28 Jan 2026 | 🕚 11:00–12:30
📍 SWEDA, West Bromwich

Join us / get a calendar invite: jakira.khanam@bssec.org.uk

#VCSE #SocialEconomy #WestMidlands #WomenInBusiness

Nature Call to Action Campaign Fund Apply for the Nature Call to Action Campaign fund today

🌱 £2,500 grants for community organisations across the West Midlands to deliver nature-based projects in March 2026.

Deadline: 19 Jan 2026
👉 Details: www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/e...

#SocialEconomy #CommunityAction #WestMidlands

Our December Social Economy NEWS is out 🎄
A reflective end-of-year edition for the West Midlands social economy, shared with subscribers only.

Already signed up? Check your inbox.
Not yet? Now’s a good time 💜
bssec.org.uk/contact/

#SocialEconomy #VCSE #WestMidlands

Provision House Dudley: Powering the Social Economy Through Community, Enterprise and Compassion - BSSEC Provision House in Dudley is a social economy powerhouse — supporting community wellbeing, social enterprise growth and inclusive local economic development across the Black Country.

📍 New blog: Cluster Spotlight on Provision House, Dudley

Jakira Khanam visits Dinesh Patel and the team to explore how community-led infrastructure is powering local social economy growth.

Read more 👉 bssec.org.uk/provision-ho...

#SocialEconomy #Dudley #CommunityLed #SocialEnterprise

Tomorrow we’re at Better Pathways in Digbeth for our next Social Economy FORUM on working with the private sector + shared value in practice.

Want to join us? Email Jakira for a calendar invite: jakira.khanam@bssec.org.uk

#WestMidlandsSocialEconomy #VCSE #SocEnt

What a week for the West Midlands social economy — SED25 was buzzing with ideas and connection.
Our latest BSSEC newsletter is out now with fresh updates + opportunities.
Get it straight to your inbox: bssec.org.uk/contact/

#VCSE #SocEnt #SED2025

💷 Panel Spotlight – MONEY
Where’s the money? An ecosystem approach
Hear from:
• Melanie Mills (Better Society Capital)
• Holger Westphely (Big Issue Invest)
• Tim Landreth (Nuneaton Signs)
• Matt Smith (Key Fund)

📅 19 Nov | Birmingham
🎟️ Book free: [link]

#SED2025 #SocEnt #VCSE

📰 The latest Social Economy NEWS is out!
New funding, fresh insights + our latest Cluster Spotlight — all exclusive to BSSEC subscribers.
📬 Sign up: bssec.org.uk/contact/
#SocEnt #VCSE #WestMidlands #SocialEconomy

🔥 Panel Spotlight: INNOVATION
Hear from 5 brilliant leaders driving change in the West Midlands social economy.
🗓 19 Nov 2025 | 📍 Millennium Point, Birmingham
🎟️ Book your free ticket: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-eco...

#SED2025 #Innovation #VCSE #Birmingham #SocEnt #InclusiveGrowth

📅 SED25 is nearly here!
🌟 Social Economy Conference & Expo
🕤 19 Nov, 9:30–16:00 | 📍 Millennium Point, Birmingham

Part of Social Economy Drive 17–21 Nov — a week celebrating the West Midlands social economy.

👉 View all events & book: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/social-ec...

#SED25 #SocialEconomy #VCSE

What is Community Wealth Building? A Practical Guide for Local Economies - BSSEC Community wealth building is changing the way local economies work — shifting power back to communities, creating good jobs, and keeping wealth where it’s made. Here’s what it means, why it matters, a...

Our latest Social Economy NEWS is out!
✨ SED25 spotlight, awards shortlist
📅 Events & funding
🏘️ New blog on community wealth building 👇
bssec.org.uk/what-is-comm...
📬 Sign up for future editions: bssec.org.uk/contact/

#SED2025 #VCSE #SocialEconomy #WestMidlands #CommunityBusiness

Social Economy Conference & Expo, Panel 1: System. Maximising the power of the ecosystem in growing the social economy Speakers: Asif Afridi (CEO, Barrow Cadbury Trust), Charles Rapson (Head of Social Economy, WMCA), Karolina Medwecka (East Birmingham Programme Development Manager, Birmingham City Council). 19th November 2025, Millennium Point, Birmingham.

🚀 Panel Spotlight: SYSTEM
Collaboration, networks & partnerships that power the social economy.
🗓 19 Nov | 📍 Millennium Point
🎟 Free event – don’t miss it! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-eco...

#SED2025 #SocEnt #SocialEconomy #VCSE #WestMidlands

Department for Transport - Procurement event Hey there! Join us at the Department for Transport Procurement Event to learn all about how we source goods and services for transportation

💥 Save the date!
BSSEC x Dept for Transport Procurement Event
📅 20 Nov 2025 | 10:00–13:00
📍 Library of Birmingham

Part of #SED2025, this free session brings expert insights, networking & guidance on upcoming transport projects.
👉 Book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/department...

#SocEnt #WestMidlands

Powering Handsworth’s Social Economy: Legacy West Midlands in Action - BSSEC Discover how Legacy West Midlands is powering Handsworth’s social economy—supporting new social enterprises, creative collaborations and community-led growth from their historic Soho House hub.

🌟 New on the BSSEC blog
Legacy West Midlands is powering Handsworth’s social economy—uncovering talent, supporting new entrepreneurs & creating community-led opportunities.
Read more ➜ bssec.org.uk/legacy-west-...

#WestMidlandsSocialEconomy #Birmingham #SocialEconomyClusters

💡 How can Local Growth Plans deliver inclusive growth people can see & feel in their communities?

Great blog from Power to Change on harnessing the #SocialEconomy to unlock local prosperity 👉
blog.bham.ac.uk/lpip/2025/08...
#InclusiveGrowth #WestMidlands #FairerFuture #LocalGrowth

Inspiring interview with Charles Rapson, Social Economy Lead at WMCA, on why visibility matters and how Social Economy Drive 2025 can spotlight the region’s changemakers.
🎥 Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCpm...
#SocialEconomy #WMCA #WestMidlands

📬 Our new email newsletter is out now! Featuring:
– Growth Plan breakdown
– Social Economy Awards news
– Event & funding updates

Not subscribed? Make sure you’re on our list to get it straight to your inbox.
#SocialEconomy #VCFSE #WestMidlands #GrowthPlan

Ambitious New Growth Plan Aims to Transform the West Midlands Economy - BSSEC The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) officially launched its comprehensive Growth Plan, a bold blueprint designed to turbocharge the region’s economy, create 100,000 good jobs, and significantl...

The new West Midlands Growth Plan could double the size of the region’s social economy.
Our blog breaks down what it means for local communities and social enterprises: bssec.org.uk/west-midland...
#SocialEconomy #GoodJobs #WestMidlands

Thank you to all who joined our July Social Economy FORUM in Wolverhampton! 🌱 Great turnout & inspiring insights from Dan Carins (WMCA), Josie Kelly (Access to Business) & Sabrina Ellis (NICS Wellbeing).
Read the summary: bssec.org.uk/wp-content/u...

#SocialEconomyForum #SocEnt #WMCA #WestMids