iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Working on a community-led climate idea? UnLtd is launching a new funding and support programme for early-stage social entrepreneurs. 💻 Info session: 8 Oct 📅 Applications: 1 Oct to 30 Nov Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-...

buff.ly

Community Climate Action Programme Information Session

An opportunity to hear from the UnLtd team on the Community Climate Action Engagement Partnership.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Our next Collaboration Catalyst is on 22 Oct at Grounded, Birmingham. Coffee, connections, fresh ideas and space to explore new collaborations across the social economy. To join us, email Jakira: jakira.khanam@bssec.org.uk

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026 finalists are here 🎉 Huge congratulations to everyone shortlisted. We’re especially pleased to see West Midlands organisations represented too. See the full shortlist: www.socialenterprise.org.uk/uk-social-en...

socialenterprise.org.uk

Meet the finalists - UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026

Revealing the finalists of the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026! Find out about the incredible organisations that have made this year's shortlist

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Funding, events, support and sector updates. The West Midlands social economy, all in one inbox. The latest Social Economy NEWS is out. Subscribe: bssec.org.uk/newsletter/

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

How can the West Midlands social economy move from an “ecosystem of support” towards an “ecosystem of opportunity”? Our latest Roundtable report explores how grant funding can help create routes into trading, markets and greater resilience. bssec.org.uk/roundtables-...

bssec.org.uk

Grant Funding to Trading | BSSEC Roundtable

Explore how the West Midlands social economy can move from grant funding to sustainable trading through procurement, collaboration and new market opportunities.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Independent makers + industry. STEAMhouse is hosting a live panel on how makers can build stronger partnerships with manufacturers, retailers and trade bodies. 📅 27 Aug, Birmingham 🎟️ £8 www.craftscouncil.org.uk/whats-on/cra...

craftscouncil.org.uk

Panel Talk: Craft and Industry | STEAMhouse, Birmingham

Explore the connections between craft, industry and innovation in this expert panel talk from Crafts Council. Hear insights from leading voices across making, manufacturing and creative practice.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Why are Social Value and cross-sector collaboration such powerful drivers of inclusive growth? Our latest blog shares practical ideas from Collaboration Catalyst, plus short videos from the people in the room. Read + watch: bssec.org.uk/social-value...

bssec.org.uk

Why Social Value & Collaboration Matter | BSSEC

Discover why social value and cross-sector collaboration are driving inclusive growth across the West Midlands. Watch highlights and interviews from BSSEC's Collaboration Catalyst event.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Global Majority business leaders in Birmingham are invited to help shape a new leadership development programme from Legacy Centre of Excellence and Aston CREME. Share your experiences and register interest: forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/respon... #SocialEconomy #Leadership

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Creative UK West Midlands’ Create Growth programme is open for applications. Support for creative businesses looking to grow, develop investment readiness and access mentoring. 📅 Apply by 6 July 👉 regionalsupport.wearecreative.uk/west-midlands #CreativeIndustries #WestMidlands

regionalsupport.wearecreative.uk

West Midlands Create Growth

West Midlands Create Growth is a six-month programme of fully-funded support for ambitious businesses across the region.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

📬 Social Economy NEWS has landed in inboxes today. This month’s edition includes funding opportunities, business support, sector news and updates from across the West Midlands social economy. Not on the mailing list? Sign up to receive future editions: 👉 bssec.org.uk/newsletter/ #SocialEconomy

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Our latest Social Economy Forum brought together perspectives from across creativity, technology, research and community engagement. The session report is now available for anyone who couldn't join us or would like to revisit the discussion. 📖 bssec.org.uk/forum-interd... #SocialEconomy #WestMids

bssec.org.uk

Interdisciplinary Approaches for Social Economy Growth | BSSEC

Discover how creativity, technology and community collaboration can support innovation and growth across the social economy.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Thinking about starting a social enterprise? Social Enterprise UK’s free start-up guide covers the essentials and answers many of the questions new social entrepreneurs often have. 👉 www.socialenterprise.org.uk/get-involved... #SocialEnterprise #SocialEconomy

socialenterprise.org.uk

Start your social enterprise - top tips and resources

Discover some top tips on starting your own social enterprise and access our free online course taking you through all the main things you need to know

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Our latest Social Economy NEWS has landed in inboxes today. This edition includes Forum reflections, leadership opportunities and events from across the West Midlands social economy. Want to receive future editions? Sign up here: bssec.org.uk/newsletter/ #SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

bssec.org.uk

Sign up to Social Economy NEWS, BSSEC’s newsletter sharing updates, opportunities and insights from across the social economy in the West Midlands.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

What should we be thinking about as a sector right now? From social value and procurement to finance, leadership and place-based growth, this new blog from Sarah Beaumont explores key issues shaping the social enterprise sector. 👉 bssec.org.uk/key-issues-s... #SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

bssec.org.uk

Key Trends in the UK Social Enterprise Sector

Explore the key issues shaping the UK social enterprise sector in 2026, including social value, funding, procurement, impact measurement, workforce challenges and place-based growth.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Sometimes the best ideas come from outside your usual world. Join our next Social Economy Forum exploring how fresh thinking and collaboration can help organisations grow. 📅 21 May ⏰ 11:00–13:00 📍 Walsall Football Club 👉 To attend, email Jakira: jakira.khanam@bssec.org.uk #SocEnt #WestMidlands

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Our latest Social Economy NEWS is out, sharing insights and opportunities from across the social economy. Sign up to stay connected: bssec.org.uk/newsletter/

bssec.org.uk

Sign up to Social Economy NEWS, BSSEC’s newsletter sharing updates, opportunities and insights from across the social economy in the West Midlands.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

How are organisations building income while staying true to their purpose? Our latest Social Economy Forum explored different approaches to trading for impact, with insights from Dinesh Patel, Cheryl Jones and Matthew Inniss. Read the summary: bssec.org.uk/wp-content/u...

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

What makes social economy accelerators effective? Our latest roundtable highlights the need for tailored support, stronger relationships and better routes to market. Read the summary: bssec.org.uk/wp-content/u...

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

A warm welcome to Emily Darko, who has joined the BSSEC Director team. Emily brings extensive experience in research, policy and social enterprise development, working across the UK and internationally.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Our latest Social Economy NEWS is out, sharing updates and opportunities from across the social economy. If you’d like to stay connected and keep up with what’s happening across the West Midlands, you can sign up here: bssec.org.uk/newsletter/

bssec.org.uk

Sign up to Social Economy NEWS, BSSEC’s newsletter sharing updates, opportunities and insights from across the social economy in the West Midlands.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined our latest Social Economy Forum. A really useful session exploring how organisations are building income and navigating trading, with insights from Dinesh Patel, Cheryl Jones and Matthew Inniss. Write-up coming soon.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

From arts and culture to community spaces, how can creative organisations build sustainable income? Join us on 25 March to hear from Cheryl Jones at our Social Economy Forum. 📍 Provision House, Dudley ⏰ 11:00–12:30 Email jakira.khanam@bssec.org.uk to join.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Speaker spotlight: Dinesh Patel Join us on 25 March to hear from Dinesh on building income through employability, social enterprise and inclusive recruitment. 📍 Provision House, Dudley ⏰ 11:00–12:30 Email: jakira.khanam@bssec.org.uk to join. #SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Join us on 25 March for our Social Economy Forum. We’ll be exploring how social enterprises, charities and community groups can build and scale income streams, with honest insights from organisations doing it in practice. 📍 Provision House ⏰ 11:00–12:30 Email jakira.khanam@bssec.org.uk to join

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Our latest Social Economy NEWS has gone out! This edition celebrates women leading social enterprises across the West Midlands and shares funding, learning and event opportunities for organisations working for community benefit. Sign up for future updates: bssec.org.uk/newsletter/ #SocialEconomy

bssec.org.uk

Sign up to Social Economy NEWS, BSSEC’s newsletter sharing updates, opportunities and insights from across the social economy in the West Midlands.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

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

bssec.org.uk

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.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

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

bssec.org.uk

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

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

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

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

bssec.org.uk

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.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

New BSSEC newsletter out now. Growth, place-based renewal and opportunities across the West Midlands social economy. DM us to subscribe. #SocialEconomy #WestMidlands

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

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

booking.wmbf.co.uk

West Midlands Business Festival

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

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

bssec.org.uk

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.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

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

booking.wmbf.co.uk

West Midlands Business Festival

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

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

aston.ac.uk

Social Economy Growth Programmes

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

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.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

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

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

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

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

🌱 £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

wmca.org.uk

Nature Call to Action Campaign Fund

Apply for the Nature Call to Action Campaign fund today

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

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

bssec.org.uk

Contact - BSSEC

BSSEC CIC enquiries For enquiries about this website & blog or to promote your social enterprise news or events please contact: Iza Korsak — send email For all other enquiries please contact: Sarah Be...

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

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

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

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

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

💷 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

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

🔥 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

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

📅 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

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

🚀 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

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.

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BSSEC CIC @bssec-cic.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

💥 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

eventbrite.co.uk

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

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