These build on the inputs and support the activities and delivery methods described on the next page.

Upskilling community facing support staff, who already have reach and trust in their communities, can unlock the potential of smaller organisations to provide an initial layer of support locally.

Bringing them together through coaching skills training and peer-support (such as using action learning sets) can also help create a referral network which identifies and encourages local entrepreneurs.

Ensuring all community voices are heard and acted upon – through the design, delivery and evaluation of support, will enable greater opportunities and outcomes for the ecosystem as a whole.

This can be achieved through better communication of opportunities and challenges, and providing help to access support and resources for those who would not otherwise take advantage of it.

All parts of the business support ecosystem need regular, consistent education about the different social purpose business types, how to best serve them and the value they bring to the local economy and wider social outcomes.

Helping different providers understand each others’ strengths, in relation to supporting different types of social business, will encourage sharing of referrals and create more fluid support journeys.

Capturing impact at each stage of an individual or organisations’ journey, particularly through the use of compelling storytelling, will inspire others and demonstrate the value of the unique journeys taken to start and grow social businesses.

Collective responsibility for enabling these journeys, and accountability for overcoming challenges, can be weaved together if these responsibilities and accountabilities are made visible.