Building for the long term: reflections from two social enterprise leaders

1. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect

One of Rebecca White’s strongest messages was simple: start before everything feels ready.

Many social entrepreneurs spend months refining plans, policies and ideas before launching. While good preparation matters, Rebecca encouraged founders not to let perfection become a barrier to action. Clear values, a strong purpose and a willingness to learn can often take you further than waiting for ideal conditions.

Takeaway: Progress is usually more valuable than perfection. Test ideas, learn from experience and improve as you go.

2. Choose a structure that supports your vision

Both speakers explained why they chose the Community Interest Company (CIC) model.

For Kate, the CIC offered a simpler and faster route than setting up a charity, while still allowing the organisation to pursue social impact and access grant funding. The model also provided flexibility to combine trading income with funded activities.

Rebecca was attracted to social enterprise because she wanted to build an organisation that earned income through valuable services rather than relying primarily on donations. She saw trading as a way to create independence, innovation and long-term change.

Takeaway: There is no single “best” structure. Choose the organisational model that fits your mission, funding strategy and way of working.

3. Build more than one source of income

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of income diversification. Turtle Dove Cambridge operates a mixed-income model, combining trading activities with grant funding. Over time, its catering services became a significant source of revenue and helped strengthen sustainability.

Rebecca encouraged CICs to think carefully about where their income will come from, considering grants, contracts, corporate partnerships and trading opportunities. She warned against becoming entirely dependent on grants.

Takeaway: A healthy social enterprise rarely relies on a single income source. Diverse revenue streams can provide resilience when funding environments change.

4. Measure what matters

Both speakers emphasised the importance of understanding and demonstrating impact.

Turtle Dove measures outcomes such as confidence, communication skills, social connections and readiness for employment. Importantly, Kate highlighted the value of keeping impact measurement simple and participant-led, while also gathering stories from beneficiaries, families and referral agencies.

Rebecca stressed that organisations should consistently measure impact, use evidence to improve services and communicate outcomes publicly.

Takeaway: You do not need a complex evaluation framework from day one. Start with clear outcomes, collect evidence consistently and build from there.

5. Systems are not boring – they are essential

Many founders focus their energy on delivery and growth, but both speakers highlighted the importance of strong organisational foundations.

Rebecca also highlighted the need for documented processes, succession planning and strong boards that evolve alongside the organisation

Takeaway: Good systems may feel less exciting than frontline delivery, but they are often what enable organisations to survive and grow.

6. Listen to honest feedback

Rebecca spoke about the importance of creating environments where staff and stakeholders feel safe to give honest feedback. Constructive criticism can be uncomfortable, but it often leads to meaningful improvements.

For growing organisations, the ability to listen, reflect and adapt is often a key factor in long-term success.

Takeaway: Build a culture where feedback is seen as a tool for learning rather than criticism.

 7. Understand the real cost of your work

The discussion also explored one of the most common challenges facing social enterprises: pricing.

Many CICs encounter expectations that social enterprises should charge less than commercial organisations. However, sustainable organisations need to understand their true costs and communicate the social value they create.

Takeaway: Confidence in pricing is important. Charging appropriately enables you to continue delivering impact over the long term.

Final thoughts

What stood out from both presentations was that successful social enterprises are rarely built overnight. Turtle Dove Cambridge and Your Own Place CIC have survived challenges, adapted to changing circumstances and continued evolving over many years.

Their experience suggests that sustainability is not about finding a perfect formula. It comes from combining a clear social mission with practical business thinking, strong relationships, robust systems and a commitment to learning.

If you want to know more about Social investment, check out Rebecca’s Social Investment Blog for Charity Finance