Social Business Wales
Want to start a business that makes a difference? We can help you.
We believe that business can be done differently. We know that through social enterprise, co-operatives, mutuals and employee owned businesses, it is possible to create positive change and build stronger, wealthier communities.
Social Business Wales is made up of a team of specialist business advisors focusing on setting up and supporting social enterprises. We’ve been advising social enterprises since 1982 and in that time have helped set up hundreds of new businesses. Our support is fully funded which means that you get free guidance every step of the way.
This site provides all the technical information you need to start or operate a social business. Find our more about how we can help your social business below.
Award-winning social businesses in Wales
Social businesses are an important and dynamic component of the Welsh economy. They deliver good jobs, closer to home, where communities need them. Social businesses work actively to address local issues through trading and then reinvesting the income they earn into the things that matter to them.
The videos below showcase some of the highly successful social businesses operating in Wales and exemplify the diverse range of enterprises that are working to create a positive impact in their communities.
Splash Community Trust was formed following the closure of the Plas Madoc Centre in April 2014. Through the support of the community the Trust they were able to save the Leisure Facility. In the last three years they have transformed a facility that was closed and scheduled for demolition, into a thriving well used leisure centre and community hub.
Too Good to Waste operates a furniture & electrical re-use business in the heart of the South Wales valleys. It offers a free service collecting items of preowned, reusable furniture, electrical & household items from residential homes and businesses, and distributes these through its showrooms in Ynyshir and Aberdare.
Natural Weigh Ltd is a zero waste shop selling high quality dried foods, cleaning products and lifestyle products. Their mission is to reduce single use plastic packaging by offering customers a chance to shop without packaging. Customers bring in reusable containers to fill with products from the shop.
Antur Waunfawr was established in Gwynedd in 1984 and aims to provide work opportunities and support to adults with learning disabilities whilst promoting good health and well-being. The company now employs more than 90 staff and supports over 60 adults with learning difficulties.
Skye Instruments designs and manufactures electronic instrumentation for environmental monitoring, climate change studies, plant, crop & vegetation research and remote sensing applications. The founders of Skye Instruments Ltd, John & Gill Wilde, have decided to transfer ownership of the Company to the Employees.
Empower – Be The Change works in partnership with a range of local and national organisations to deliver bespoke programmes which increase people's confidence, motivation, independence and self-management. In doing so, they directly address issues of poverty, community cohesion, well-being, access and attainment across all aspects of learning.
Social Business Wales provides intensive one-to-one support to social businesses across Wales which are looking to expand or create jobs.
Call the Business Wales Helpline on 03000 6 03000
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Other sources of support for social businesses - there are a range of support providers which specialise in support to social businesses.
Social Business Wales is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Welsh Government. It is delivered by Cwmpas.