SCEDU is a social enterprise established in 1995 to support existing and establish new social enterprises. Today Sheffield Community Enterprise Development Unit provides a multiplicity of services for social enterprises including affordable managed workspace and conferencing facilities, business advice, training, childcare support, access to investment and finance, financial services, public sector contracting support, research and development work and asset base development.

With over 15 years experience of working in and developing the third sector SCEDU has developed key strategic connections across the realms of the private, public and social economy sector. SCEDU has worked closely with local authorities and public sector agencies for a number of years and is aware of the issues that face both contracting organisations and the procurers themselves. This includes the gaps that exist between case studies of successful examples of contracting and less successful ones.

SCEDU has also had long involvement with the planning and development of community childcare nurseries. SCEDU recognised the need for a sector specific team that would provide practical business and development support.

The Childcare team has experience and expertise in business planning, financial monitoring, budget preparation and funding applications, as well as developing large capital projects.

We provide the expertise to bring community-led needs for childcare into reality. Helping stakeholders build capacity, professionalism and sustainability to maximise opportunities and bring long-term success.

SCEDU planned for and built our own ‘Mowbray Street’ managed workspace site which opened in 2000 and is situated in the heart of the Kelham Island conservation area. This has 28 work units as well as meeting rooms and conference space that is regularly hired out. The site also houses SCEDU’s experienced staff team.

SCEDU has a focus on innovation and investment in the social economy and aim to continue this approach with partners to build the role of social enterprise locally, regionally, nationally, and increasingly internationally.

SCEDU has worked for a number of years with social enterprises to help them engage with public sector contracting opportunities and has developed a Tender Readiness Toolkit to assist organisations ensure they have what it takes to succeed.

SCEDU has a team of skilled social enterprise business advisors who have been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs and organisations with their business planning, and feasibility of new ideas. They have contacts with solicitors, accountants, funders and investment bodies. They are skilled with working through a range of ideas, and working out a successful route forward.