Social Enterprise Day 2025 brought together changemakers from across the North East to tackle the real challenges facing purpose-led businesses under the banner “Thriving on Purpose”. The energy, honesty and practical conversation from the day are all captured here for you to watch on demand.

Across these recordings you’ll hear leaders, founders and doers talk openly about what it actually takes to run a social enterprise in the current climate – the pressure, the financial realities, the burnout, and the messy middle no-one admits to. You’ll also see what good leadership looks like when things get hard, and how others are finding the confidence to lead with purpose rather than panic.

You’ll watch speakers break down topics that normally stay behind closed doors:
• How to build resilience when everything around you feels unstable.
• The science behind using movement to improve mood, focus and productivity at work.
• How to make partnerships that are more than lip service – collaborations that genuinely shift the system.
• Practical tools for impact, evaluation and community-led change.
• What it takes to move from “surviving” to “thriving” without burning yourself out or collapsing your business.
• How to build a support network that actually helps – not another networking room full of awkward small talk.

There’s no theory for theory’s sake. These are real stories from real organisations in this region: the setbacks, the stepping stones, the bridge-building, and the wins that prove this sector is stronger when it works together.

You’ll also see the structured networking session that got the room talking – a simple, human way to build empathy, strengthen connections and understand what people actually need to thrive.

All videos come with a full digital goodie bag packed with tools, resources, offers and extra support from the speakers, sponsors and exhibitors.

All of this is yours for £5.

You’ve done the hard work, mapped out your social mission, and built your business case. Now, ensure your submission does your vision justice and really works for your social enterprise.

The Level 2 Award portfolio requires a specific blend of evidence and narrative. Before you finalise and submit, get a dedicated expert eye to review your portfolio, identify gaps that could impact your business, and help you articulate your impact with total clarity.

 We’ll check the logic of the plan for your business - the substance that will make it viable and sustainable

The Level 2 Award in Starting and Developing a Social Enterprise is an exciting journey, with lots of opportunities to apply your learning as you go. Having an expert to chat through your exact circumstances with and hold you accountable to take action can be a great way to keep you on track AND get the most out of your investment.  

This coaching package provides the dedicated space you need to refine your vision and stay on track.

You’ll get three targeted 45-minute sessions strategically timed to support you through the most critical phases of your qualification.

Turn your big idea into a structured, sustainable business with purpose. The Ignite Coaching Series is a high-impact, 8-week coaching programme designed specifically for pre-start and early-stage founders (0–12 months) delivered via live sessions online to ensure it is accessible for all.

Guided by a sector expert and active social entrepreneur, you will bridge the gap between lived experience and business excellence. We don't just talk about change; we build the legal, financial, and strategic foundations to make it happen.

Let’s be realistic: running a social venture is rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. You’ve made it past year one, and you’ve proved your impact. But now, you might feel like you’re stuck in the day-to-day weeds, wondering how to grow without burning out.

Whether you're the founder or the person managing the mission, Equip Growth Coaching is here to help you professionalise your operations while keeping your social purpose front and centre. Think of this as a 12-week partnership where we look under the surface of your business and build something that lasts.

 What we’ll do together:

• Fortnightly coaching session: 5x 1.5-hour sessions over 12 weeks.
• Real talk: Led by an experienced expert who has supported many sustainable social ventures, and who’s actually running their own social enterprise.
• Solid foundations: Shifting you from “chief everything officer" to a strategic leader.

Strong social impact starts with strong foundations

Welcome to your ultimate toolkit for building an impactful, resilient business. Whether you are an early-stage founder or leading an established organisation, this free 3-part webinar series is designed to help changemakers move away from short-term grant dependency and step into long-term organisational resilience.

Together, we will master:

How it works: Register once to unlock to access the Zoom link to join us live for all three events, alongside on-demand access to the recorded video playbacks so you can learn at your own pace.

In a world filled with big, complex challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the issues we face. But social enterprise isn’t about trying to solve everything all at once. It is about taking meaningful, values-driven action right where we can.

To celebrate our fifth year, we have partnered with Newcastle University Business School to host a day for North East Changemakers dedicated to Change in Action. Together, we will explore how real change actually happens - from building strong, financially sustainable organisations to looking after our own wellbeing as leaders.

Whether you’ve been running a social enterprise for years or you’re a fresh-faced changemaker just starting out, you are incredibly welcome here. Our North East sector thrives when we support each other, and this day is all about bringing our brilliant community together.

What we’ll explore together:

• The Power of Our Sector: Celebrating the vital, life-changing role our regional enterprises play right now.

• Smart Systems: How to see the bigger picture and focus your efforts for real, long-term impact.

• Financially Canny Foundations: Navigating commercial realities to build reliable, sustainable income streams.

• Resilient Leadership: Honest conversations on how to look after yourself while leading this vital work.

On top of all that, you’ll get to:

• Connect & Build True Community: No awkward mingling here! We’ve designed a relaxed, friendly day with structured networking led by regional expert Jeni Smith from NetKno - ensuring you leave with a brilliant new support network.

• Explore the Marketplace: Wander through our vibrant exhibition space to discover local initiatives, buy purpose-driven products, and swap stories with peers.

• Enjoy Proper Good Food: Your ticket includes tea and coffee, a truly delicious hot buffet lunch, and plenty of cake to fuel those big ideas.

Come along to get inspired, share your journey, and see what we can achieve when the North East takes collective action. We can't wait to see you there!