Enterprise

The story so far…
Fundamental is a highly successful social enterprise, as we receive the majority of our income from public sector contracts and use this income to tackle social issues. We want to build on this success and look at new areas of income generation in order to guarantee our long term future and have a greater impact on society, providing essential services and support for our future generations.

As an organisation we feel that it is crucial for young people to feel that they are making a contribution to society and be an integral part of Fundamental and its development. In partnership with groups of the children and young people, including 'Forward 4 Youth' our very own youth committee, we are looking at the possibility of setting up a number of social enterprises and generate income for the charity. These enterprises mean that young people can not only gain personally from the experience of putting 'ideas into action' but can also help future young people and communities.

The Social Enterprise ideas so far…
We were recently successful in securing a grant of £6950 from The Coalfields Regeneration Trust to undertake a feasibility study to look at what ideas for social enterprises might be successful.

Our big ambition is to develop a community leisure/learning centre that would incorporate a garden centre, restaurant, residential unit and theatre. There would be lots to do, buy and experience. Perhaps most importantly it would incorporate accredited training and work experience for local young people in all aspects of the business. We know this is a big venture but we do believe that dreams can come true.

Another possible enterprise idea is a residential and respite centre. We recognise that many young people and families need time away from each other. We would like to open a centre that can cater for a small number of young people to have a home from home, to receive high quality support and to be engaged in positive activities.

We have already begun one enterprise project ‘Food4Thought’ and have received some start-up funding for this project. The enterprise will focus on healthy eating and lifestyle and will generate funds through growing and selling produce and plants. The project will give young people the opportunity to learn how to grow their own food and plants, about their own health and lifestyles and how to sell, budget and so on….you can read more about Food4Thought on page 7.

      
"Fundamental is a progressive and user led organisation making a direct impact on the lives of young people. West Yorkshire Social Enterprise Link has supported the development and fostering of an enterprising culture within the organisation through a package of business advice and funding to create new businesses that provide employment opportunities and new skills."