Birmingham’s very own festival of Social Enterprise CITYDRIVE!

Social enterprise development organisation ISE dreamt up CITYDRIVE five years ago. As a result, they showcase company’s that do business for good in the City. Therefore, they aim to inspire citizens to start up, buy from, invest in, work for or volunteer with social businesses.

April 2019, saw over 1000 people attend 17 various events across the City. It started with a high-profile conference hosted by Aston University. This is where delegates got to hear from social entrepreneurs with national and international reach. This includes Toast Ale, Madlug luggage and Belu water. Therefore, speakers explored scaling up and “white labelling” products for social good, as well as brand storytelling and marketing.

Two local social entrepreneurs picked up £500 worth of prizes in pitching events in Digbeth and Soho. However, an evening networking reception at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) offices brought together social enterprises and corporate organisations with an engaging panel for Q&A.

Investment was high on the agenda for the breakfast meeting. Particularly, with Big Society Capital and guests at Anthony Collins Solicitors. Not forgetting, social enterprise tourism in the city with a boat trip and heritage walks. After that, the week finished with the Social Enterprise City Festival, which was held in the Council House Banqueting Suite. A marketplace for social businesses trading in the city. After all, we claim this to be Birmingham’s first ever Ethical Wedding Fair, promoting social enterprise and suppliers to new audiences.

ISE provide a range of services to the social enterprise community. This includes supporting individuals who wish to start their own business. They provide support for established social enterprises that want to grow and work strategically to develop consortiums and networks.

Written by Simon Veasey

For more information on CityDrive, business consultancy or start up programmes please contact Simon Veasey, Director of Business Development: 

Call: 01217711411 or email: simon.veasey@i-se.co.uk

www.ise.org.uk

 

For more information on hiring an apprentice click here.