Social Enterprise development through existing and new partner organisations
is an essential component of enterprise activity within Walsall. The following
are examples of highly successful social enterprise.
The Vine Trust
The Vine Trust was launched in 1989, and works with hard to reach young people such as school
non-attenders, excluded pupils or individuals on the edge of the drugs culture.
Its location, in a non-alcoholic converted pub, has proved to be attractive to
those it helps, being an effective and non-threatening venue for education work
and play.
The Trust’s five key operating themes are Work-based Learning, Lifelong Learning,
Information, Advice and Guidance, Citizenship and Social Inclusion and Social
Enterprise. The innovative Vine Access Centre provides a social and recreational access centre with IT and counselling rooms,
in addition to access to youth workers and personal advisors.
For further information on the Vine Trust, go to www.thevinetrust.co.uk.
Walsall Ethnic Business Association (WEBA)
WEBA is a membership business organisation catering for the borough’s ethnic business
communities, delivering training and business advisory services to small companies.
A UK-Online registered centre, WEBA also delivers key skills training to employees
of equal opportunities.
The principle objectives of WEBA are:
- To enhance progress in ethnic minority businesses and their positive contribution to the local economy
- To promote the take-up of opportunities provided by funding agencies geared towards business development
- To support the alleviation of poverty amongst ethnic communities
- The promotion of equal opportunities
For further information on WEBA, contact Alex Etim on 01922 629192.
African Caribbean Social & Economic Regeneration Group (ACSERG)
ACSERG is an African Caribbean community based umbrella support and social enterprise operation that collaborates with partners in the community, voluntary, statutory, independent and private sectors to deliver effective services and support.
The organisation offers accredited training courses, payroll, book keeping and
accounts support, business advice surgeries, administrative support and marketing,
plus feasibility research, needs assessment and business planning services.
The African and Caribbean community aims to be both visible and fully involved
in the enterprise future of Walsall borough, for further information, go to www.acserg.co.uk, or contact Ricky Riggon on 01922 616216.
