13TH - 17TH NOVEMBER
ABOUT
SOCIAL ECONOMY DRIVE
WEST MIDLANDS
Social Economy Drive West Midlands is the new chapter of an annual celebration of social enterprise and community businesses which started life in Birmingham as 'CityDrive' over a decade ago.
Social Economy Drive West Midlands 2023 is supported by Power to Change and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). This exciting programme of events is rolling out across the West Midlands to celebrate the achievements and potential of the social economy in 7 localities: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Starting on 13 November 2023 expect an incredible week of showcase events across the West Midlands, incorporating Social Enterprise Day 2023 on Thursday 16 November.
Social Economy Drive West Midlands is organised by iSE (Initiative for Social Entrepreneurs CIC), building on 10 successful years of annual events and activities celebrating the power of social enterprise, community businesses and the social economy.
EVENT LISTINGS
13TH - 17TH NOVEMBER
Event listings are correct as of 04/10/23. For up-to-date information, visit the individual event booking page.
MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER
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SOCIAL ENTERPRISE - THE WAY FORWARD
10AM - 1PM Dormer Conference Centre, ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA
A Social Enterprise market place showcasing all that's best in this vibrant sector in Warwickshire. A networking opportunity to meet and listen to local experts.
If you are a social enterprise and you would like a stand to showcase your organisation or your goods please make an enquiry to: info@cwcda.co.uk
TUESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER
INVEST
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SOCIAL ECONOMY: THRIVING COMMUNITIES
9AM - 2PM SOLIHULL MOORS, SOLIHULL
Explore how the social economy works towards finding new solutions to the health and well-being challenges faced by individuals and communities.
We'll be examining the health of the sector itself and showcasing the work of those making a positive impact on health and well-being across the Solihull Borough.
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Celebrating Walsall’s successful social economy
10AM - 2PM The Rock Church, Walsall
Join us to help celebrate as we showcase the social economy in Walsall. Whether you are part of the social economy, working in the public sector or you are a business wanting to understand more, this event is for you.
A fabulous networking opportunity to hear about some of the broader strategic initiatives taking place and to work collaboratively to identify and develop ideas to strengthen the social economy across the Borough.
INVEST
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Women Leading in Sustainability
10.30AM - 1PM KILO ZIRO, BIRMINGHAM
Gather inspiration, invaluable tips and practical nuggets of advice from inspiring women leading the way in the sustainable social economy.
From tech to grassroots movements, come along to network, discover opportunities and enjoy frank conversation at this lively brunchtime session. Kindly sponsored by ESB Energy.
more tickets added - waitlist also availble
INVEST
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BSSEC ROUNDTABLE
11AM - 1PM Soho House, BIRMINGHAM
An energetic roundtable discussion with a focus on 'society's problems need solutions - is the social economy the solution?’
We will explore place-based social economy development, doughnut economics, ecosystems, the planet, youth, equality and assets. Come along and join the conversation!
Fully booked - waitlist availble
WEDNESDAY 15TH NOVEMBER
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Showcasing the Social Economy across Dudley Borough
10AM - 4PM Provision House, DUDLEY
The social economy is important for the future of the Dudley Borough, come and find out where you fit in and how we can be the changemakers, enabling the borough to thrive and move forward to become a social powerhouse, equipped and ready for a positive future.
A must for local companies and organisations, those starting or established and investors looking to enable real local positive change.
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VOLUNTEER
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Social Enterprise - The Way Forward
10AM - 1PM Belgrade Theatre, COVENTRY
A social economy market place showcasing all that's best in this vibrant sector in Coventry. A networking opportunity to meet and listen to local experts.
If you are a social enterprise and you would like a stand to showcase your organisation or your goods please make an enquiry to: info@cwcda.co.uk
INVEST
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ENTERPRISE
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Social Economy WolveRHAMPTON Launch
10AM - 1PM CITY SUITE, Wolverhampton
If you are keen to know more and to engage with the social economy in Wolverhampton this event is for you. Come along and hear from our newly appointed Social Economy Champions about the ‘Wolves Buy and Invest pledge’ and meet a variety of our social enterprises who will be showcasing their products and services. Lunch is provided. Kindly sponsored by Taylor Woodrow.
START
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Social Enterprise - Creating Impact through Enterprise
1.30PM - 3.30PM YMCA, WEST BROMWICH
A look at social economy businesses - what they are and what they aren’t - including support available across Sandwell to help incubate and grow to create a thriving social economy.
THURSDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
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Department of Transport - VCSE Meet the Buyer Event
10AM - 2PM BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL LIBRARY, CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE, BIRMINGHAM
A great opportunity to connect with suppliers who purchase a broad range of products and services; from catering to cleaning services, coaching to mental health support, signage to training.
The Department for Transport Group and other key stakeholders will outline changes that have been made to procurement processes to make it easier for Voluntary, Community Businesses and Social Enterprise organisations to secure contracts.
INVEST
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Wolverhampton Business FORUM and WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIAL ECONOMY LAUNCH
6PM - 9PM Carvers Building Supplies, Wolverhampton
Come along and join this Wolverhampton Business Forum event to find out how you can buy and invest in the social economy.
You’ll hear from local business leaders about their commitment to become Social Economy Champions and have the opportunity to sign our 'Wolves Buy and Invest' pledge.
There will also be an opportunity to hear the results of a recently commissioned survey conducted by Wolverhampton Business Forum into the needs of local businesses. Buffet provided. Kindly sponsored by Taylor Woodrow.