Journey 01
Start Your CIC
Build the right foundations before you start looking for funding.
What we do
From an idea to an organisation that stands up to scrutiny
We help people develop their CIC idea and prepare the information and documentation needed to establish a credible organisation. That means working through the practical questions — what you do, who it is for, how it is structured, how it runs and how it will be paid for — before you go looking for funding.
We provide guidance and practical development support. We are not solicitors or accountants and we do not provide legal or financial advice. Where formal registration or professional advice is needed, the decision and responsibility rest with you and the relevant authority or professional.
Areas we cover
What your CIC support can include
CIC purpose and community benefit
Get clear on what your organisation exists to do and how the community benefits from it.
Developing your organisation's activities
Shape your idea into described services and activities that can actually be delivered.
Business planning
Develop a workable plan covering delivery, income, costs and priorities.
Identifying beneficiaries
Define who you support, and evidence why that support is needed.
Governance considerations
Think through directors, decision making, roles and accountability.
Operational planning
Consider how the day to day work is organised, staffed and recorded.
Impact and outcomes
Describe the difference you intend to make and how you will know.
Funding readiness
Identify what needs to be in place before you approach funders.
Supporting documentation
Prepare the information and documents a credible organisation is expected to hold.
How it works
Practical, paced and built around your idea
We start with a conversation about what you are trying to achieve, agree what support would be most useful, and work through it in a sensible order so nothing important is left until the last minute.
- An initial conversation about your idea and where you are up to
- An agreed plan of what to develop and in what order
- Working sessions to develop your purpose, activities and plans
- Practical help preparing your supporting information
- A clear view of what still needs to happen before you approach funders
Talk to us about your CIC
Tell us what you are trying to achieve and we will explain what support would help most.