Social enterprises are businesses that help people or communities. They reinvest surpluses back into the business or the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners.

We are committed to creating an environment in which social enterprises can flourish. In Merton, social enterprises are eligible for support offered to the local voluntary and community sector and for local small business support.

Setting up a social enterprise

Social enterprises can operate within a variety of structures such as companies limited by guarantee, charities, industrial and provident societies, mutuals and community interest companies (CICs).

For more information see Setting up a Social Enterprise (GOV.UK website).

Sources of finance

Sources of finance for social enterprises can include trading income, retained profits, bank, community development finance institutions and other loans, business start-up grants and loans, and in some cases voluntary and community sector funding grants.

For further information see the links below.

Related websites

Contact us

FutureMerton Team
Merton Council
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX

regeneration@merton.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8545 3837