This toolkit has been designed to assist organisations and individuals who work to help social entrepreneurs, from pre-start through to scaling social ventures. The toolkit can be used by anyone, though it is primarily aimed at those who are new to working with social entrepreneurs.

This toolkit complements training provided by Impact Hub through the MedUP! the programme, however, it can also be used on its own as a standalone resource. It is a collection of advice, resources and information grouped under subject headings and placed in relevant order. It contains key topics, resources and ideas that will support you along your journey as a supporter

of social entrepreneurs. It also has questions and exercises for you to complete as you think about your own ecosystem and to prompt you to evaluate how you might adopt and adapt these learnings to your own context.

This toolkit cannot be exhaustive. In section F there is a list of resources that can give you more detailed guidance on key topics. We will be providing you with definitions that help you to understand the social enterprise sector and how to provide practical support for entrepreneurs, but for a fuller understanding, you can also get access to a document that the MedUP project is developing through its advocacy pillar listed in the resources section.

When using the toolkit, you will find it helpful to discuss the themes and topics covered with others who are working with social entrepreneurs to gain different perspectives and exchange knowledge. To facilitate peer learning and knowledge exchange, SESOs participating in the MedUP programme activities will have the opportunity to join a community of practice through an online platform that is currently under development.

The toolkit is based on many years of experience and evidence of what works for social entrepreneur support. The social entrepreneurs you work with will be at varying stages of readiness when they approach you for help. Your organisation will also grow and change on your journey to enabling social entrepreneurs to start up and grow. Feel free not to use the toolkit in a linear way but focus on the information and resources that meet your specific needs at any particular time, adapting it for use to your local context and conditions.