SOCIAL enterprises in West Devon are being offered financial help through a new scheme set up by Devon County Council.

A sum of money has been set aside by the council as part of a scheme to encourage social enterprises in the county. The county's idea is to support businesses which reinvest resources back into the community.

A total of £35,000 has been allocated to support the project which will be granted in the form of vouchers for subsidised business support.

To be eligible, organisations must already be trading as a social enterprise and show that the funding would be used to develop the business.

A social enterprise is a business or service with social objectives whose surpluses are re-invested in the community, rather than being driven by profit for shareholders and owners, such as a charity, trust or a community benefit society.

The scheme can meet up to half the cost of the required business support, to a maximum of £2,000.

For more information call scheme managers Co-active on 01752 500888 or email [email protected]">[email protected] The scheme closes to applicants on December 31.