Business Planning

Date: Tuesday 3rd February

Hosts: Audrey Dunn, Claire Martin and Harry Whitmore, Churches Advisors, Community Ownership Support Service

This event is part of our New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years.

Event description:

This workshop focuses on guiding participants through the key steps required in developing a robust business plan. This is an essential document to give confidence (to funders, your community and you) that you have a viable and sustainable proposal to ensure the long-term success of an important community asset. The workshop is specifically geared towards business planning for communities taking a former church building into community ownership.

Workshop content:

· What is a business plan for?

· Content of business plan

· Sources of Support

· Marketing

· Operational planning

What will I gain from this event?

· An understanding of what makes a good business plan

· An understanding of why business planning is important and how it is used long term

· Knowledge of key tips and advice from others that have been successful in developing a sustainable community enterprise

Who is this event for?

This workshop is open to individuals and community groups interested in taking former places of worship into community ownership.

Where is this event taking place?

This event is taking place online.

Do I have to pay to attend?

This is a free event.

For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer at: louise@dtascot.org.uk

New Futures - Former Places of Worship is delivered by Community Ownership Support Service with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.