ruralnet|uk has been shortlisted for this year's "Enterprising Solutions" awards by the Social Enterprise Coalition. ruralnet's entry outlined the successful first year of the innovative net:gain programme, which uses a social franchising model to build the ICT and strategic planning capacity of Voluntary and Community organisations across England.
The awards, the winners of which will be announced in October, recognise innovation and entreprenuerial spirit, both of which are fundamental to the ethos of ruralnet|uk.
The net:gain project, funded initially by the government's ChangeUp programme, is now supported by Capacity Builders alongside but separately from the National Hubs. Through the programme, both rural and urban voluntary sector organisations are encouraged to develop comprehensive but practical ICT strategies. net:gain is currently delivered through 30 selected UK Online centres on a social enterprise model and the network of net:gain centres is expected to increase to 50 centres over the course of 2007.
Jane Berry, the programme manager, said,
"Developing and running a social enterprise is very rewarding but can be a challenge, so we hope that net:gain will show that the voluntary sector can borrow from franchise techniques, to help embed social enterprise in the sector more quickly and with less risk. We are delighted to have the programme shortlisted, and congratulate the 30 centres who have taken up the baton so far."
1. ruralnet|uk is a rural development charity, combining ICT expertise and community development.For more information see www.ruralnetuk.org
2. The net:gain programme is directed by a consortium of partners led by ruralnet|uk in association with Capacity Builders, Foyer Federation and Funding Matters. See http://www.net-gain.org.uk/
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