Applications open to access specialist business training for not-for-profits in the West Midlands

Organisations can now join a programme of specialist business training designed to help social enterprises, co-operatives and trading charities to become more sustainable.

The West Midlands Social Economy Business Growth Support programme is the largest programme of specialist business training for trading not-for-profit organisations ever run in the West Midlands. It aims to develop the business skills of social enterprises, community-owned businesses, cooperatives and trading charities to help them grow, become more sustainable and increase the impact they have in addressing inequalities.

The main programme is peer learning plus one-to-one support. 4 levels are available, depending on the size of the business and all come with a grant of between £2,000 and £20,000. There are 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.

Recruitment starts now. 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/

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 Authority’s commitment to inclusive growth and the government’s commitment to levelling up. The programme will be delivered in partnership with Enterprise Nation & Birmingham Enterprise Community, Locality, Aston University, and the School for Social Entrepreneurs.