The sessions are on 27th March, 3rd April, and 10th April 2025. Spaces limited.

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From co-operatives to community businesses, expand your knowledge to include less common, more innovative approaches to business ownership and governance.
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When it comes to setting up a new organisation, or supporting others to do so, all legal frameworks, whether private, mutualistic, or charitable, are a response to some simple questions: Who should own it? Who should benefit from its value? And who should make the decisions? This Alternative Business Models short course will enable you to understand and recommend the most appropriate models based on how you or those you're supporting answer those questions.

Delivered in partnership with Co-op Culture’s team of experienced advisors, this short course is designed to increase your knowledge of alternative business models to provide more options when you're in the process of setting up a new organisation, or advising others through third sector bodies, local councils, or business support services.

Short course programme

This training is delivered online over three x 3-hour sessions:
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Session #1: Introduction to Alternative Business Models – 27th March

An introduction to alternative business models and how they can be supported. You'll leave with:

• Knowledge of alternative business models proven to work in the UK economy
• An understanding of the similarities to, and differences from, more conventional business models
• A knowledge of the support landscape available to alternative business models
• An understanding of approaches that are effective when supporting groups adopting alternative business models

Session #2: Deep dive: Governance & Legal Models – 3rd April

Delve into the legal structures and governance used by organisations with alternative business models. You'll leave with:

• A knowledge of the range of governance models used by organisations with alternative business models
• An understanding of the difference between legal form and organisational type
• An understanding of the factors affecting the choice of legal form 

Session #3: Deep dive: Finance – 10th April

Explore the novel and innovative finance available to organisations with alternative business models.

• A knowledge of the types and sources of capital are available to businesses in the UK
• A knowledge of the different business finance options available to organisations using alternative business models
• An understanding of how the legal form of an organisation can affect the finance options available
• An understanding around how to chose the best types and sources of finance when using an alternative business model

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Who is it for?

• Anyone involved in business advice and coaching support
• Anyone supporting organisations in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector
• Anyone working for a charitable foundation or local government body that is focused on inclusive economies, economic justice, community wealth building, or similar.