The Bedfordshire Social Enterprise Network ("BedSEN") is a grassroots organisation in the third sector and aims to provide support to social enterprises across the Bedfordshire region, and to also encourage the growth of social enterprise. It also aims to support the development of existing social enterprises.

BedSEN is the Network arm of BSEN Limited (a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee).

It was established to work within the objectives of Social Enterprise East of England (SEEE) at a local level. Our objectives are:-

• To create a sustainable social enterprise network within the County

• To promote the social enterprise sector within the County

• To lobby and influence policy relating to social enterprises within the County

• To represent the views of social enterprises within the County

• To share information and good practice within the County

• To identify and improve the skills and knowledge of individuals working in social enterprises within the County

•  To maximise the capacity to trade of social enterprises within the County

• To maximise the social impact of social enterprises within the County 

Following its new management structure and relaunch in August 2008, BedSEN’s objectives also include:-

• To create and support more female owned and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) social enterprises in the County;

• To nuture the growth of businesses owned by women; and

• To increase numbers of businesses engaged within the creative industries.

• BedSEN will be holding regular local events and support programmes. See events listings and  join our mailing list under "contact us" for more details.

Also please visit www.seee.co.uk - "Networks in your Area" and select "Bedfordshire and Luton"