Last week, Norfolk’s VCSE sector came together at the Empowering Communities Funding the Future event to share ideas, insights, and innovative solutions for building financial resilience and diversifying income streams.

Diversifying income streams has become an essential conversation for organisations across the social enterprise and charity sector. The challenges of declining grant funding, increased competition for donations, and the unpredictability of external economic factors have driven organisations to rethink traditional approaches to covering their operating costs, continuing delivery and working towards sustainability.

At the Funding the Future event, we explored this in depth. Local expert Sue Fern unpacked corporate sponsorship, and in the afternoon attendees heard all about crowdfunding. A round table hosted by FUSE also discussed different trading models used by local social enterprises. We were joined by leaders of The Shoebox Enterprises CIC, BUILD Charity, New-U, and Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services, who each shared their insights and learning. These discussions, along with the excellent keynote speech from David Hynes at Norwich Charitable Trusts, highlighted how adopting the social enterprise model is more than an innovative option, it could be a timely necessity. As traditional funding sources become less reliable, the social enterprise model provides a pathway to increased financial independence and long term resilience.

Do social enterprises offer a solution to bringing sustainable funding for the VCSE sector?

Social enterprises have long been pioneers of blending purpose with profit. Their success lies in embedding social impact into commercially viable activities, creating self-sustaining models that don’t rely solely on external funding. For example, visitor attractions like The Shoebox Enterprises CIC generate income through ticket sales while championing community connection and fulfilment.

Organisations like Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services sell their services to local authorities and other VCSEs alongside sharing their team’s extensive knowledge in the form of training, generating revenue while delivering much-needed support sustainably. These examples demonstrate that revenue generation and mission-driven work are not mutually exclusive but can be complementary!

Innovation is key to social enterprise. This doesn’t have to mean developing groundbreaking products or services, but could look like using existing skills, resources, assets and networks in new ways to generate income. Membership schemes, hiring space, providing services, trading arms, and partnerships are just a few ways organisations can adopt social enterprise practices!

We know that the prospect of adopting this approach can feel daunting. However, we learnt at our round table that the first steps can be small! Are there small aspects of your work that could be monetised? Do you have expertise, facilities, or networks that others might value? Could you collaborate with a business or another charity to deliver a paid service?

A new chapter for FUSE as it supports Social Enterprises

Here at FUSE we’re starting an exciting new chapter. We are proud to share two updates that will help us empower and connect social enterprises better than ever before!

Firstly, FUSE Norwich has become FUSE Network! This update reflects our vision to strengthen the social enterprise community across Norfolk, creating a vibrant and collaborative network. With our new membership offer, we’ll provide:

• early access to events
• an exclusive fortnightly members newsletter
• and a digital badge that proudly showcases your commitment to social enterprise.

Secondly, we’re gearing up for the February launch of the FUSE Social Enterprise Directory. This will shine a spotlight on the incredible diversity of Norfolk’s social enterprises. It will make it easier than ever for businesses, funders, local authorities and customers to discover, support and buy from social enterprises. FUSE Network members will be able to create a free listing as soon as the directory launches. This development has been supported by Norwich City Council via the Shared Prosperity Fund.

As we look ahead, the VCSE sector will increasingly rely on creative, sustainable approaches to funding. By learning from social enterprise and embracing new ways of working, we believe organisations can not only survive but thrive. If you’re interested in talking about how transitioning to a social enterprise model could work for your organisation, get in touch with FUSE via hello@fusenetwork.org.uk.