As part of Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s Skills, Enterprise and Assets project, Business in the Community and Great Yarmouth College are working together to provide a social enterprise support service that includes one to one guidance from dedicated volunteer mentors and access to training in business skills and social enterprise development. 

Support provided through the project will facilitate the development of social enterprises in Great Yarmouth, enabling them to create sustainable jobs and maximise their social impact.  Given the high level of deprivation in the area, social enterprise will help to create jobs, develop skills and boost the local economy.

Social enterprise support gives mentors the opportunity to use their skill-sets, experience and expertise in a new and unique context, helping social entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and create the jobs of tomorrow.  Mentors will learn about different business models and ways of working, as well as developing their professional skills and having the satisfaction of making a difference in their community.

From community gardens to recording studios, to fashion “up-cycling” to kickboxing training, there are many budding social enterprises in Great Yarmouth seeking support from business mentors.  Vicki Mileham is one social entrepreneur who recognises the benefits a mentor can provide.  Currently working to transform a disused building into a vintage tea rooms and community hub, the knowledge and expertise of a business professional will help Vicki to make her ambition a reality:

"Having a strong desire to work both within and for my local community, I know what I want to achieve but am unsure how. Having someone with business experience supporting me will prove a great help to guide me through the planning process and will enable me to achieve my goal.”

With a wealth of skills and experience, SFEDI trained mentors are in a great position to assist budding social entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, be it through planning, marketing or financial expertise for example, or by sharing knowledge of a particular sector. 

For more information on mentoring opportunities in Great Yarmouth, please contact Hannah Clay at Business in the Community on 07739 707956 or by emailing [email protected].