• Choosing the right legal structure and governance model
• Governance reviews and board development
• Strategy development, business models and financial planning
• Exploring grant funding, social finance and income generation
• Social impact mapping, measurement and reporting
• Product and service design – design thinking

Areas of expertise include social enterprise development, purpose‑led business models, social impact strategy and reporting, business growth modelling, social investment and funding.

Background

Dr Michelle Booth is the Social Enterprise Manager at the North East Business & Innovation Centre (BIC), with over 30 years’ experience working in and supporting the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.

Michelle combines academic research with extensive real‑world experience, bringing a unique insight to the sector. She holds a PhD from Northumbria University, focused on social enterprise ecosystems, and has founded and led several social enterprises, including Side by Side Arts in Gateshead. Before joining the BIC, Michelle led a social enterprise module at Northumbria University and also taught on the ground-breaking Multi-Disciplinary Innovation Masters programme, focusing on service design and design thinking. She previously led the social enterprise agenda at Gateshead Council as part of the Economic Development Team leaving in 2017 .

As a social enterprise specialist, Michelle supports both aspiring and established social entrepreneurs, from developing early‑stage ideas through to strengthening governance, securing grant funding and social investment, and supporting sustainable growth.