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Alternative Business Models

Support for charities, cooperatives, mutuals and social enterprises.

Co-operative and mutual businesses provide unique economic benefits such as building financial resilience and community ownership, playing a key role in growing the economy and building a more equitable society. With strong government commitment to supporting the sector, and with many charities and social enterprises already thriving in Dorset, there are many avenues of support.

Association of British Credit Unions

The main trade association for credit unions in Britain, representing credit unions to governments, policy makers and the media. ABCUL provides a full range of information, training and development services to help its members grow.

Association of Charitable Organisations

The Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO) is the membership body for charities providing financial and wellbeing support to individuals. 

Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations

Inspires and supports civil society leaders through connection, skills and influence. Members lead civil society organisations of every shape and size, across every cause area and at every stage of the leadership journey.

Association of Financial Mutuals

Promoting & supporting the mutual sector for the benefit of customers & members throughout the UK.

B-Lab

B Lab is the non-profit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet. B Lab UK leads economic systems change and raises awareness of the B Corp Movement.

Building Societies Association 

The BSA is the voice for all 42 UK building societies, including both mutual-owned banks, as well as 7 of the largest credit unions that make up the National Credit Union Forum (NCUF).

Charity Commission

The regulator of charities in England and Wales responsible for keeping the charity register accurate and up-to-date. 

Community Action Network

CAN serves and champions thousands of amazing charities and community groups across the county of Dorset.

Co-operative Directory

Find a co-op near you, or search for co-ops of different types and operating in different sectors, using the co-op directory. 

Co-operatives UK

Co‑operatives UK is the voice for the UK’s thousands of independent co‑ops, helping co-operatives – from established businesses to new-starts – be the best they can be..

Dorset Community Action 

Bringing people together to develop community-based solutions that enhance services and create a stronger Dorset.

Dorset Community Foundation

The Foundation works with individuals, families, companies and other organisations to help them achieve their charitable goals by making giving easy, flexible and effective.

Dorset Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly

The Dorset VCSA aspires to greater representation of issues that are experienced by the VCS, creates stronger connections within the VCS, and facilitates increased networking and collaboration with partners from other sectors in the community.

Guidance from .gov.uk

Guidance on setting up a social enterprise or community interest company. 

Impact Hub

Impact Hub connects entrepreneurs and innovators to large organisations, partners, investors, and the public sector to build a just and sustainable society.

Mutuals Public Register

A public record of mutual societies registered by the Financial Conduct Authority It has information for societies currently registered, and those no longer registered.

National Council for Voluntary Organisations

The membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England, championing voluntary action.

NESTA

The UK's innovation agency for social good, NESTA designs, tests and scales new solutions to society’s biggest problems, changing millions of lives for the better.

Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies

An independent office holder that is appointed by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, Industrial and Strategy (BEIS) supporting CIC's with guidance for registering and running a CIC. 

Power to Change 

A think-do tank that backs community business from the ground up.

Social Enterprise UK

The UK membership body for social enterprises, leading the world’s largest network of businesses with a social purpose, working together to create a fairer economy and a more sustainable future for everyone. 

UK Society for Co-operative Studies 

A non-profit distributing, member-based organisation advancing the education of the public concerning all aspects of the co-operative movement, and co-operative forms of structure. 

UnLtd - Social Entrepreneur Resources

A library of useful resources to help you navigate the social enterprise space.

The resources listed on www.businessgrowthdorset.co.uk include both free and chargeable options. Business Growth Dorset does not endorse or take responsibility for the providers of these resources. We cannot be held accountable for any advice or services provided by the organisation listed on this site. Users are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before engaging with any listed provider. To find out more about our Company Inclusion Policy click here