Social Economy Business Growth Programme

Monday, 29th January 2024 saw the start of recruitment for participants on the largest programme of specialist business training and support for social enterprises, community businesses, cooperatives, trading charities and others making up the social economy ever run in the West Midlands. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Enterprise Nation & Birmingham Enterprise Community, Locality, Aston University, and the School for Social Entrepreneurs.

The West Midlands Social Economy Business Growth Support programme is aimed at developing the business skills of Social Enterprises, Community Owned Businesses, Cooperatives and Charity Trading Arms to help them grow, become more sustainable and increase the impact they have in addressing inequalities. This programme is funded by the UK Government and the West Midlands Combined Authority from funds provided from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund. It is part of the West Midlands Combined Authorities commitment to inclusive growth and the government’s commitment to levelling up. The programme is open to any of those Social Economy organisations, in the West Midlands, who want to grow their trading income to achieve their goals.

The main programme is peer learning plus one-to-one support. Four levels are available, depending on the size of the business, and all come with a grant of between £2,000 and £20,000. 120 places available.

In addition, there will be an opportunity for 40 organisations to become better informed about social investment and public sector procurement.

Applicants should be eager to develop their business skills to grow their business and impact. The focus will be very much on increasing trading income.

Demand is expected to be high so applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible

Recruitment has already started. Details and application links can be found at https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/economy-and-innovation/social-economy/business-and-place-support/