Co-operative and Social Enterprise Development Agency

CaSE-da is a co-operative and all advisers are members of the Institute of Business Advisers. As an independent Social Enterprise Agency, we have helped local people to set up social enterprises and other forms of democratic business since 1982.
We work to encourage all forms of community economic development and aim to provide a realistic and sustainable approach to developing the local economy. There are over 150 social enterprises associated with CaSE-da in the East Midlands.

A Social Enterprise combines the need to be a successful business with primarily social aims, and has social ownership and democratic principles at its core.
Characteristics of a Social Enterprise
• Social Purpose
• Engaging in Trade
• No private profit distribution
• Assets held for community benefit
• Democratic
• Accountable
The social enterprise sector is diverse and includes amongst others Co-operatives, Community Enterprises, Development Trusts, Credit Unions, Social Firms, Housing Associations and Football Supporters Trusts.

As a result of this diversity a wide variety of legal structures are used by Social Enterprises including incorporation as a company limited by guarantee, limited partnerships and community interest companies.

Our service is tailored to be relevant to each client’s needs, taking into account different levels of business experience, cultural and language differences. Each client is given a toolkit of information relevant to their social enterprise which builds as the business develops, ending as a substantial aid for future reference.

If you want business advice, training and support we can help you. We provide assistance to social enterprises, both start up and established and also to employee buy-outs.

We can:
• Develop your business plan
• Guide your research
• Find sources of grants and loans to help you get started
• Assist you with financial and marketing skills
• Make sure your proposals are viable before you commit yourselves
• Draw up the most appropriate legal structure to achieve your aims
• Understand the benefits of working co-operatively
• Organise your co-operative or social enterprise effectively
• Offer ongoing support to help your business grow
If you are thinking about setting up a social enterprise you will need..
• A rough idea of what you want to do
• Other people who are interested
• Energy and commitment
• Willingness to learn new things
• Some skills appropriate for the planned business
• To be prepared for it to take longer than you think!

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