LOCAL SPARK TORBAY

Unlock Local Opportunities
2025-11-04 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
How social enterprises and charities can win more contracts
If you run a social enterprise, charity, or community organisation in Torbay, you might be missing out on funding opportunities that could help you grow your impact.
Many VCSEs want to bid for local contracts, but procurement often feels confusing, overly formal, or only open to big players.
The truth? 50% of local contracts already go to Torbay-based organisations… and there’s room for more.
Join Local Spark Torbay for an engaging session with Torbay Council’s procurement lead, Chanelle Busby, Deputy Head of Commercial Services, and Stuart Hardy, Economic Development Officer as they break it down step by step, helping you understand what to do, where to look, and how to finally feel confident about bidding.
Here’s what we’ll cover:

The new Procurement Act and what it means for the VCSE sector.
How to find and access upcoming contract opportunities.
What councils are really looking for in a winning bid.
How to build partnerships and tell your story effectively.

You can even submit your questions in advance when you register.
Tuesday 4th November, 4–6pmParkfield House, PaigntonDrinks & nibbles provided | Free on-site parking (limited)
Register now to secure your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlock-local-opportunities-tickets-1837793292209?aff=oddtdtcreator

Celebration of Torbay's Social Economy
2025-09-09 17:00 - 19:30 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
We’re thrilled to invite you to a special evening celebrating the strength and spirit of Torbay’s social economy!

Thursday, September 11 · 5 – 7:30pm GMT+1. Doors at 4:45pm
The Boathouse
Marine Drive Paignton TQ3 2NJ United Kingdom

_____________

Come and:

● Hear inspiring stories from local changemakers
● Connect with people who are making a difference
● Celebrate the impact of social enterprises in our community
● Enjoy good company (and great refreshments!) right by Preston beach
This is a free event – but spaces are limited, so please reserve your place.
Whether you’re part of the social enterprise world or simply want to learn more about how Torbay’s social economy is making a difference, we’d love to see you there.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebration-of-torbays-social-economy-tickets-1595863543819

4th Torbay Local Entrepreneur Forum & Community of Dragons!
2025-03-22 12:30 - 15:30 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
4th Torbay Local Entrepreneur Forum & Community of Dragons!
How do we create new livelihoods and make life better in Torbay? Green, social, and local entrepreneurs make a big difference! Join us!

A friendly Dragons Den pitching event for local entrepreneurs where anyone can invest their expertise, money or enthusiasm.
March 22 at People’s Parkfield
12:30 – Pizza and networking
1:30 – Speakers
2pm – Pitching
3:30 – Closing
Register, here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1255404742379?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hack it!
2024-10-26 10:00 - 14:00 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
Date: Saturday 26th October 2024
Venue: People’s Parkfield, Paignton
Let’s turn your solutionary idea into a viable, fundable and sustainable business. Join us for the Green & Social Startup Hack! It will be a day of fun innovation and design thinking, creative problem solving and copious aha! moments. We’ll select six promising enterprise ideas and lead their teams through a process, surrounded by business and design experts, that will help them take a giant step toward becoming a real green & social enterprise.
There are two ways to participate. Email Jay on jay@localsparktorbay.org to get involved.
Apply to have your business idea hacked. We’ve got a few slots available.
Criteria include:

Committed entrepreneur(s) who want to take the project forward.
The enterprise idea is green and/or social – that is, it will benefit the people and econ systems of Torbay in some way.

Or join us as a business or design expert, potential customer or beneficiary, a funder or enabler, or interested communitarian who loves Torbay!
This event is delivered with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Local Spark Networking Meet Up - 10th October 5pm
2024-10-08 17:00 - 2024-10-10 19:00 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
Now the season is transitioning to Autumn, you are cordially invited to warm yourself up at People’s Parkfield next Thursday for our next Local Spark meet up. Whether you run a social venture or local business, or are an associate or friend, come along and share with us the great things you’re doing, your future plans and come with any asks you may have for support, and as always with other like-minded folk.
Andrea will facilitate a mini ‘offers & needs’ market, and Chris will have some updates for you – exciting things are happening in the bay and we want to tell you all about them!
We’ll provide some light drinks and nourishing nibbles.
We hope you can join us!
When: 10th October
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Where: People’s Parkfield, Paignton
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-spark-october-meet-up-tickets-1036826996457?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=0144273c49&mc_eid=decfcd6a53
Parking is at the rear of the house, but we recommend if you live local to find alternative transport either through car pooling, walking or cycling.

Let's co-create! How can we catalyse a regenerative entrepreneurial culture in Torbay
2024-07-09 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for this ‘open space’ event to get your ideas on this question: how can we catalyse a regenerative entrepreneurial culture in Torbay? We want to put them into action, now. Let’s create the conditions for local entrepreneurship that benefits people and generates community wealth and wellbeing!
When: 9th July, 5pm – 8pm
Where: People’s Parkfield, Paignton
Just turn up!

Local Spark Monthly Meet-up
2024-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
Welcome to Local Spark Monthly Meet-up!
Join us at People’s Parkfield CIC – Parkfield House for our monthly gathering of local social enterprisers, aspiring entrepreneurs, experts, catalysts, supporters, creative thinkers and doers! This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and spark new collaborations.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, everyone is welcome to attend. Come prepared to network, learn, and be inspired by the vibrant energy of our community. Social enterprise Grove Woods Pizza will be on making delicious pizza!
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this exciting event. We can’t wait to see you there!

Social Economy Hub: Co-Work+Talk Event #3
2024-03-20 09:00 - 17:00
Social Economy Hub: Co-Work+Talks Event #3
Talk theme: Resilient Leadership
Speaker: Thea Platt
Join us for a unique, fun and productive day of co-working at the Social Economy Hub in Paignton, UK. Whether you’re a freelancer, social entrepreneur, or social economy remote worker, you are welcome join us and connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy a supportive and creative atmosphere.
At Co-Work+Talks Event #3, you’ll have access to a comfortable workspace, high-speed internet, and all the amenities you need to stay focused and motivated. Take advantage of our communal areas, lunchtime talk, and enhanced networking opportunities to boost productivity and expand your professional network.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to work alongside passionate individuals who share your drive and ambition. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, feedback, or simply a change of scenery, the Social Economy Hub: Co-Work+Talks Event #3 has got you covered.
Join us at People’s Parkfield CIC – Parkfield House, Paignton, UK and let’s make this co-working day a memorable one.
Please note, we will be running one further Co-Work+Talks event in March; but once they’re gone they gone. You can of course book a desk any day of the week at the Social Economy Hub, but these special events with self-brought lunch and a special Talk are unique and possibly won’t happen again.
Cost: £15 per seat (and a talk included).
NB. These events are exclusively for TSEN members only who book a seat in the Social Economy Hub on the specific date.
SECURE YOUR SEAT: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/829830042997

Social Economy Hub: Co-Work+Talk Event #2
2024-03-05 09:00 - 17:00
Social Economy Hub: Co-Work+Talks Event #2
Talk theme: Alternative Sources of Finance | Talk: 1pm-2pm | Hub opens 9am
Speaker: Steve Chown – Torbay Communities Funding Adviser, Andrew Wade – Brixham YES
Join us for a unique, fun and productive day of co-working at the Social Economy Hub in Paignton, UK. Whether you’re a freelancer, social entrepreneur, or social economy remote worker, you are welcome join us and connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy a supportive and creative atmosphere.
At Co-Work+Talks Event #2, you’ll have access to a comfortable workspace, high-speed internet, and all the amenities you need to stay focused and motivated. Take advantage of our communal areas, lunchtime talk, and enhanced networking opportunities to boost productivity and expand your professional network.
SECURE YOUR SEAT: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/829828157357?aff=oddtdtcreator
Seats are for TSEN members only, you can easily sign up to become a member in advance of securing your seat if you are a social enterprise or a supporter of social enterprise in Torbay!

Social Economy Hub: Co-Work+Talk Event #1
2024-02-26 09:00 - 17:00 | The Social Economy Hub, People's Parkfield CIC, Parkfield House, Paignton, United Kingdom
Theme: Circular Impact | Talk: 1pm-2pm | Hub opens 9am
Join us for a unique, fun and productive day of co-working at the People’s Parkfield CIC in Paignton, UK. Whether you’re a freelancer, social entrepreneur, or social economy remote worker, you are welcome join us and connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy a supportive and creative atmosphere at the Social Economy Hub.
At our Co-Work+Talk Event, you’ll have access to a comfortable workspace, high-speed internet, and all the amenities you need to stay focused and motivated. Take advantage of our communal areas, lunch time talk from a specialist (eating together with our brought lunches), and enhanced networking opportunities to boost productivity and expand your professional network.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to work alongside passionate individuals who share your drive and ambition. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, feedback, or simply a change of scenery, the Social Economy Hub: Co-Work+Talk Event #1 has got you covered.
Join us at People’s Parkfield CIC – Parkfield House, Paignton, UK and let’s make this co-working day a memorable one.
Please note, we will be running two additional Co-Work+Talks events in March; but once they’re gone they gone. You can of course book a desk any day of the week at the Social Economy Hub, but these special events with self-brought lunch and a special Talk are unique and possibly won’t happen again.
Cost: £15 per seat (with lunch, and a talk included).
GRAB TICKET (seats limited to 8 per co-working day)

People's Parkfield: Social Economy Hub Launch Event
2024-02-08 12:00 - 14:00 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
You are invited to the launch of the Social Economy Hub!
After much anticipation, we’re excited to be opening our doors to Torbay’s very own, Social Economy Hub. This launch event is a unique opportunity to bring together social enterprise from across Torbay to People’s Parkfield, an ambitious, exciting, entrepreneurial endeavour that is opening its doors to the social enterprise community, for the new and eagerly anticipated Social Economy Hub.
This launch event aims to bring everyone from the Torbay Social Enterprise Network together to share news of what’s coming up, to inform you about the various events and coworking dates that we have coming up, and to also show off the space and give you a taster experience of what it could be like to spend time there co-working together.
If nothing else, this is a lovely opportunity to gather in 2024, and we’ll be providing a nice local lunch for us all.
Please RSVP now so we can get a sense of the numbers for ordering food etc by emailing Andrea@LocalSparkTorbay.org and writing ‘LAUNCH EVENT’ in the subject heading and she will send you the officialinvitation to sign up and secure your spot.

Dream Bigger: goal casting for 2024
2023-12-04 10:00 - 12:30 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
Finish 2023 & start 2024 with a bang! This unique group workshop will give you space to reflect on the year that’s about to close, and look ahead to 2024, so you can backcast & goal set for the year you so desire, earn the income you want (and deserve) and create a bigger impact. For this workshop expect to get creative, think big, be ambitious and put all the things in place for you to bring forth your ideas and goals. Our very own Andrea will facilitate this session, and she wants you to get creative so will be bringing big sheets of paper, coloured pens and lots of post it notes. Should you want to create a vision board, bring feathers, glue and glitter if that’s your bag!
Date: Monday 4th December
Venue: Parkfield House
Time: 10am-12.30pm (arrivals 9.30am)
For more details on the workshop, please contact andrea@localsparktorbay.org and write GOALSETTING WORKSHOP in the subject heading. Limited places to 8 per workshop.

3rd Local Entreprenuer Forum & Community of Dragons
2023-11-30 17:00 - 20:30 | Stage Left, Palace Theatre, 33 Palace Ave, Paignton, TQ3 3HF, United Kingdom
A Dragon’s Den pitching event for local entrepreneurs where the local community can support with expertise, money, enthusiasm or support.
The Local Entrepreneur Forum is returning to Torbay for its 3rd edition. This year we are celebrating the interconnectedness of all things with our theme People Torbay Planet. For a resilient future, we need businesses that have this 3 dimensional perspective, come and support them!
What’s included? Facilitated networking, stalls by leading local enterprises, speakers and the Community of Dragons, where a handful of worthy startups and local enterprises pitch to the audience. The audience, a community of friendly dragons, can support by investing their expertise, money or enthusiasm.

Network and relationship building
learning and sharing
drinking and eating!
music and fun!
entrepreneurs pitching
community investing (their love and support, expertise and money)

** INTERESTED IN PITCHING? ** DEADLINE for expressions of interest is Thursday November 9th. If you’re interested in pitching, see here for criteria then get in touch.
And, PLEASE, everyone register to attend and participate. It’s a heartful event, building community, connecting people, and contributing to a better world. People. Torbay. Planet.

Fool proof your finances - workshop
2023-11-13 10:00 - 12:30 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
Do you feel like you have a good grip on your finances? Are you comfortable answering questions about the numbers? Do you have a cashflow forecast, which you update regularly with the actuals? Or do you hide under the covers and hope it will all go away? Bookkeeping and the day to day financial management of your social enterprise doesn’t have to be something you feel shameful about. For this workshop we’ll introduce you to our guest Rosie Wren, who will in turn introduce you to the financial management and bookkeeping software Xero and all it has to offer. Rosie will also answer your burning finances questions – so come armed with them across admin, best practice, short cuts, salary advice and more!
Date: Monday 13th November 2023
Venue: Parkfield House
Time: 10am-12.30pm (arrivals 9.30am)
For more details on the workshop, please contact andrea@localsparktorbay.org. Please put FINANCE WORKSHOP in the subject heading to secure your place! Limited places apply.

Communicating with impact - workshop
2023-11-08 10:00 - 12:30 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
How do you communicate your impact? Do you communicate it to all stakeholders as part of the relationship building process? And where do you begin, when it comes to amplifying your message? For this workshop we’ll be working with you to nail down essential elements of your next marketing and comms activity, thinking through all the aspects of your organisation: its unique selling proposition, impact and customer value. Our guest speaker will be Jaimie Walshe, founder of Peace Out Paddling. Jaimie has created social media content for Red and Clarks shoes, and regularly posts for a few local organisations too. He will be sharing his tips on what to do and what not to do when it comes to driving people into your events and retail spaces.
Date: 8th November 2023
Venue: Parkfield House
Time: 10am-12.30pm (9.30am arrivals)
For more details on the workshop and to secure your spot, contact andrea@localsparktorbay.org and put COMMS WORKSHOP in the subject heading.

Green & Social Startup Hack!
2023-10-07 10:00 - 16:00 | People’s Parkfield CIC, Paignton, TQ3 2NH, United Kingdom
Let’s turn your solutionary idea into a viable, fundable and sustainable business. Join us for the Green & Social Startup Hack! It will be a day of fun innovation and design thinking, creative problem solving and copious aha! moments. We’ll select six promising enterprise ideas and lead their teams through a process, surrounded by business and design experts, that will help them take a giant step toward becoming a real green & social enterprise.
There are two ways to participate.

Apply to have your business idea hacked.
We’ve got six slots available. Criteria include:
* Committed entrepreneur(s) who want to take the project forward.
* The enterprise idea is green and/or social – that is, it will benefit the people and economic systems of Torbay in some way.
Join us as a business or design expert, potential customer or beneficiary, a funder or enabler, or interested communitarian who loves Torbay!

If you’d like to learn more, have your idea hacked, or contribute your expertise, please email Jay on jay@localsparktorbay.org
There will be plenty of food and drink, too!

Sparking Regenerative Enterprise
2023-06-17 09:30 - 12:30 | Palace Theatre Paignton, Palace Ave, Paignton, TQ3 3HF, United Kingdom
Start your weekend with this inspiring event, meet your local community and fellow social entrepreneurs. Register here!
How can we work together to grow the green and social economy in Torbay?
Please join us on the morning of Saturday 17th June as we try to come up with answers, together.
We’ll hear from Chris Gunson and others from Local Spark share their plans for sparking regenerative enterprise, building networks, and co-creating community resilience. This includes the People’s Parkfield, Torbay Social Enterprise Network, hackathons and communities of dragons, and more.
We’ll be inspired by Manda Brookman, one of the South West’s most interesting innovators in sustainable enterprise and founder of PermanentlyBrilliant. She ran the very first Doughnut Economics Hack in Cornwall, too. You’ll want to meet her!
Most importantly, we’ll partcipate together in an innovative ‘open space’ session where we can collaboratively explore topics that will help us take a step forward toward growing the green and social economy in Torbay. We’ll learn what we need to learn, meet who we need to meet. We’ll spark new ideas for supporting existing social enterprise and for generating new ones.
Can we create more good jobs for our young people? Is ‘eco-tourism’ a viable strategy? Will bottom up, community-led regeneration make our lives better?
Please bring your ideas and your love for our beautiful communities.
Refreshments and snacks will be available.

This event is delivered with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

2nd Torbay Local Entrepreneur Forum
2022-12-01 17:00 - 21:00 | Palace Theatre Paignton, Palace Ave, Paignton, TQ3 3HF, United Kingdom
Exciting news – we’re planning the second Local Entrepreneur Forum in Torbay. We have a date and a venue – December 1 from 5pm-9pm at the amazing Palace Theatre. What’s included? Facilitated networking, stalls by leading local enterprises, speakers and the Community of Dragons, where a handful of worthy startups and local enterprises pitch to the audience who play the role of Dragon and invest their local and support, expertise and participation, custom and financial resources.
It’s a friendly Dragons Den pitching event for local entrepreneurs where anyone can invest their expertise, money or enthusiasm.

Network and relationship building
learning and sharing
drinking and eating!
music and fun!
entrepreneurs pitching
community investing (their love and support, expertise and money)

Pitching are:
* Ocean Youth/Sound Communities – a youth-led radio station cooperative
* Torbay Bike Hub – a community bike social enterprise
* Horses for Forces – trauma services for those in need, especially members of the services
* Yum/Ascend SW – a new social supermarket
Register here, it’s free! https://2ndLEFTorbay.eventbrite.co.uk
Email Jay at jay@localsparktorbay.org

Building Capacity for Building Participation
2022-11-19 09:30 - 2022-11-20 16:30 | Sound Communities Studios, 52A Hyde Road, Paignton, TQ4 5BY, United Kingdom
It’s been recognised that the key to ‘bottom up’ economic regeneration and local systemic change is citizen participation in a range activities that can lead to new solutions, projects and enterprises. This short course aims to train a cohort of facilitators who live and/or work in Torbay to be able to design and lead co-creative meetings, hackathons, ‘open space’, etc. – just the sort of activities that spawn new solutions, projects and enterprises. Rob Hopkins calls this ‘unlocking the collective genius’ in communities.
The course will run the weekend of November 19th and 20th, teaching and practicing participatory methods such as appreciative inquiry, hackathon, open space technology, world cafe, visioning and backcasting, and related techniques that engage and include people in processes of collective brainstorming and ideation, decision making, planning, and aligning around common goals. The course will also connect participants with some core concepts relating to group dynamics and co-facilitation, equipping them with the confidence to work with the predictable messiness of group work.
Who’s it for? It’s for people who want to learn and remain engaged, applying their newly developed skills for the common good to working with our emerging ecosystem of change makers, of which Local Spark Torbay, Local Motion and many others are a part. Could be part of your professional development, lead to new income streams, and help you participate in the positive changes happening in Torbay. 🙂
Schedule:
Saturday Nov 19
arrive 9am for 9:30 start.
coffee/tea and lunch provided
workshop day ends 4:30
The cohort will enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant.
Sunday Nov 20
arrive 9:30am for 10am start
coffee/tea and lunch provided
workshop day ends 4:30
The cohort will also arrange for another half-day of practical experience to plan a participatory event to take place in the new year.
Please email Jay to register – jay@localsparktorbay.org
This course is a collaboration between Local Spark and Local Motion, with funding support from Local Motion and the Torbay Community Wealth Building.

Online event: Finance - the key to growing sustainable businesses
2022-11-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Online – zoom
Join us for this insightful talk from veteran impact investment expert, Paul Pizzala from Ethex – an innovative impact investment platform.

What’s ‘impact finance’ and how can it help green and social enterprises grow?
What does it take to get ‘investor ready’?
How can I get the finance I need for my business?

Ethex, the UK’s leading impact investment platform, has raised £100 million for over 200 social enterprises. Paul Pizzala talks about how to do it. Join us!
When: Tuesday 8 Nov, 2022
Time: 6:00pm
Register in advance for this meeting – click here.

1st Fridays Co-Working Sessions
2022-11-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Paignton Library, Great Western Road, Paignton, TQ4 5AG, United Kingdom
Tired of working in cafés – (should I order another coffee just so I can sit here for another hour?!)
Distracted working at home – (hmmm, another piece of toast? And will my sweet children please play quietly for at least another 15 minutes so I can concentrate?!?!)
Don’t worry, at least the 1st Friday of each month can give you a few hours of productivity and connect you with peers. Member of the Torbay Social Enterprise Network? Fabulous! Not a member yet but curious, please come along. Join us for free co-working at the Paignton Library, in Room 13 – 10am-1pm first Friday and every month. This is a lovely light and spacious space on the 1st floor. It has audio-visual equipment included. There’s also a handy café downstairs.
No need to book, Chris will welcome you there when you arrive!

Autumn Social Enterprise Celebration!
2022-11-03 17:30 - 20:00 | Palace Theatre Paignton, Palace Ave, Paignton, TQ3 3HF, United Kingdom
We had a great time at our last one. Join us again! This time at Palace Theatre in the heart of Paignton. Let’s get together and celebrate each other, the great work we’re all doing, and the opportunities for making positive change.

We will share more about our 2nd Local Entrepreneur Forum & Community of Dragons on December 1st.This is the kind of thing that can lift all of us and create the conditions to get more people in our communities involved in the rising green and social economy here in Torbay.

We’ll also share about funding bids we’re developing with partners for the Shared Prosperity Fund and the National Lottery Climate Action Fund.

There’s even more to share! We all want to hear your news, too!

We’ll have lots time to build relationships, hatch plans for collaborations, – and actually, just have great time! So, please join us!

Palace Theatre, Paignton
Thursday, Nov 3rd, 5:30pm-8pm Free Buffet included!

Free to members of Torbay Social Enterprise Network – learn how to become a member here: https://localsparktorbay.org/social-enterprise-network/
£10 for non-members

Doughnut Economics - could it work for Torbay?
2022-10-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Online – zoom
When Doughnut Economics was originally developed by Kate Raworth back in 2013 there was no way of knowing it would become such a transformative phenomenon, inspiring government leaders, entrepreneurs and community organisers. The Doughnut gives us a way of thinking clearly about the kinds of economic changes needed and what we, as a community, actually want.
We’re delighted to be joined by Jane Brady, co-founder of the Devon Doughnut Collective, recognised as one of the ground-breaking innovators in bringing the Doughnut to life and making it relevant for the communities of Devon. After a year of working together, the Devon Doughnut Collective developed an interactive Doughnut model chock full of policy and project proposals for policy makers and citizens. Jane will share her experience with participants who will come away with new perspectives and new ideas.
Topics:

what is the Doughnut?
how did ‘coffee & doughnuts’ sessions work?
how can people of Torbay get involved?

Join us! Register to participate in this online session on Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAuf–upjkqGtQCWckeaACjp2mZWB1gG92x
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Email Jay for more information, jay@localsparktorbay.org

Green, Social, Local - how regenerative enterprise can lift Torbay and how YOU can start one
2022-09-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Online – zoom
Join us for this online event with Jay Tompt and guests. New models of enterprise and entrepreneurship are getting loads of attention from policy makers and community organisers. Why? Because these new models can help to regenerate a neighbourhood or an entire city, and can do so in ways that lift people from poverty, build community, and revive ecosystems. We can call them ‘green’, ‘social’, ‘regenerative’, and they tend to be local with a local or regional focus, but not always.
Topics we’ll cover:

creating jobs and livelihoods
recirculating local spending – building community wealth
build on what’s already working
examples of successful regenerative enterprises
local investment opportunities
pathways for starting up a ‘regenerative enterprise’
sharing your experience with young entrepreneurs
November’s Local Entrepreneur Forum

Register now and join us! https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pceCvrTkoHtCVQDpnqNO3sc8rX7MK-iY2
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For more info, email Jay at jay@localsparktorbay.org

Summer Social Enterprise Celebration!
2022-07-22 17:00 - 20:00 | The Boathouse, The Boathouse, Marine Dr, United Kingdom, Paignton, TQ3 2NJ, United Kingdom
Torbay Social Enterprise Network

It’s been far too long, so let’s get together and celebrate each other, the great work we’re all doing, and our fantastic sunny (we hope!) summertime!

This will also be a chance to share ideas on some important topics like how do we build momentum in creating a thriving social economy in Torbay and South Devon; how will ‘community wealth building’ create opportunities; how can we weave a supportive ecosystem around us.

We’ll have lots time to build relationships, hatch plans for collaborations, – and actually, just have great time! We’ll have interesting guests and we’ll have interesting news to share, as well.

Please join us at The Boat House, Preston Sands (Marine Dr, Paignton TQ3 2NJ)
Friday July 22nd, 5pm-8pm Free Buffet included!

Free to members of Torbay Social Enterprise Network – learn how to become a member here: https://localsparktorbay.org/social-enterprise-network/
£10 for non-members

Let's talk about the Local Entrepreneur Forum
2022-05-10 12:00 - 13:00
Remember Torbay’s 1st Local Entrepreneur Forum that took place in June 2019 at the Lucky 7 Club in central Paignton? How about we run a second one?
Join us on Tuesday 10 May at 12pm to explore what is the Local Entrepreneur Forum and how it can be a powerful catalyst for a vibrant, bustling, and abundant new economy here in Torbay. Jay Tompt, one of our co-founders, is involved with this project and will share insights from the experience of running the Local Entrepreneur Forum in Totnes for the 10th year now. And maybe we plant the seeds for the 2nd event in Torbay?
Here is the meeting zoom link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82541563098

Funding #2 event
2022-04-05 12:00
Our conversation on Funding continues, our next guest is Andrew Shadrake. We invite you to join us on Tuesday 5th April, 12pm-1pm. Andrew will speak about an under-used method of raising finance – Loan Stock. This is a simple way for CICs (and other social enterprises) to raise money from people whom they already know and support what they are doing.
Andrew is a core member of the Local Spark team with expertise in less well-known ways of raising money.
Here is the meeting zoom link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85099070276

February Meet-up
2022-02-09 16:00 - 17:00
This month we invite you to join us for a conversation with Robin Causley who is the Community Funding Advisor at Torbay Community Development Trust (TCDT). Whether you are just getting started, or well established, this is for you. We will explore what external funding opportunities are available in the bay, how social enterprises can access these and new ways of financing.
Zoom link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81933690332

December Holiday Happy Hour
2021-12-09 16:30 - 18:00
This December we celebrate!
We celebrate the year that has passed and all the good things that happened in 2021, as well as look forward and plant seeds for an exciting 2022. Join us on Thursday 9th December at 16:30 for a Holiday Happy Hour celebration, with joy, cheer and your favourite local drink.
Zoom link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83492659431

November Meet-up
2021-11-03 09:30 - 10:30
Join us on Wednesday 3rd November at 9:30am for the monthly meet-up.
At this month’s meet-up we will continue the conversation on opportunities for social enterprises within the Adult Social Care sector in Torbay. Join and let us know about your experience and thoughts.
Zoom link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86019648661
