PUTTING OUR THEORY INTO PRACTICE
Ongoing Support for Derby’s Social Entrepreneurs
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Starting and growing a social enterprise can be both exciting and overwhelming, and that's where Derby Social Ventures (DSV) steps in.
We’re committed to helping you transform your idea for change into something sustainable, impactful, and community-oriented. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to scale, our coaching-led approach gives you the confidence, tools, and connections to make it happen.
At DSV, we don’t provide a generic business plan or a one-size-fits-all toolkit. We listen, we coach, and we walk alongside you — helping you grow your venture your way, similar to the approach of San Diego social venture partners who emphasize personalized support.
What We Offer
Our ongoing support is coaching-led, personal, and practical, designed to help you develop both your enterprise and your confidence.
We offer:
- One-to-one coaching and mentoring — personalized guidance to help you clarify your vision, overcome challenges, and stay focused.
- Workshops and peer learning — hands-on sessions covering topics like funding, leadership, and social impact.
- Networking and collaboration events — connect with other founders, funders, and changemakers in Derby’s social economy.
- Investment and funding support — guidance on grants, loans, and social investment opportunities, drawing inspiration from successful models we have helped to establish
- Visibility and advocacy — we celebrate your successes and help amplify your story across Derby and beyond.
Our goal is simple: to help you and your venture grow stronger, more confident, and more connected — for the long term.
A Community That Grows Together
Over the past year, we’ve supported more than 100 local social entrepreneurs in moving from ideas to action. Together, they’ve launched new ventures, secured funding, created jobs, and built stronger, fairer communities.
People like:
- Upbeat Clean, creating jobs for migrant communities
- Baby People, using hip-hop to empower young people
- Derby Uncovered, turning local heritage into a sustainable community platform
Each story is distinct — but they all share one common thread: with the right support, people can change their city.
How We Work
Our approach is grounded in coaching and conversation, not consultancy or advice. We’ll help you:
- Define your purpose and long-term goals
- Build a sustainable business model
- Explore funding and partnerships
- Develop your leadership skills
- Connect with others who share your values
We believe in growing people, not just businesses.
Join Derby’s Social Enterprise Movement
Derby Social Ventures is part of a growing community of changemakers dedicated to making our city more inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven. If you’re:
- A social entrepreneur or community founder
- A charity leader exploring enterprise
- Or someone with an idea to make Derby fairer, greener, and stronger…
We’d love to hear from you. Let’s have a conversation about your goals, your challenges, and how we can help you take the next step.
Email us: keith@socventures.org | paul@socventures.org
Follow us on LinkedIn: Derby Social Ventures
