A new project has been launched aimed at supporting Manchester’s budding social entrepreneurs. Grassroots Enterprise Support is a project dedicated to empowering the next generation of community businesses and charities.
Delivered by the Community Asset Services Cooperative (CASC) and made possible through financial support from the National Lottery, the project is specifically designed to nurture early-stage ventures – targeting social enterprises, charities, and community businesses established within the last two years – providing essential tools that organisations may use to survive and thrive.
A comprehensive support ecosystem
Grassroots Enterprise Support is not just a consultancy service; it is a holistic incubator for social good. Based out of the historic Levenshulme Old Library, the project offers a robust suite of free services designed to address the specific hurdles faced by new organisations:
- Expert Consultation: Bespoke guidance on legal structures and management strategies
- Skill-Building Workshops: Interactive training to upskill local leaders
- Funding Navigators: Critical assistance in identifying grants and writing winning applications
- Strategic Marketing: Professional advice on branding and audience engagement
- Network Building: Facilitating collaboration between peers to strengthen the local ecosystem
Proven impact
The project builds on the proven track record of its parent cooperative, CASC, which has spent years helping groups across the North West secure community assets and develop robust business plans. Early participants in the Grassroots program have already hailed the initiative as "transformative," citing the mentoring and resources as the key factors in their ability to launch their charities successfully.
Call to action
The project is now actively seeking applications from Manchester-based community businesses, cooperatives, and charities that have been operating for less than two years.
“If you have recently started a venture to help your neighbourhood, we want to hear from you,” the team added. “Whether you need help finding your first grant or writing your first business plan, we are ready to help you grow.”
For more information, or to sign up for support, visit www.grassrootsupport.co.uk
Contact Grassroots Enterprise Support, telephone 0798 597 7563, email: info@communityassetservices.co.uk, post: Levenshulme Old Library, Cromwell Grove, Manchester, M19 3QE.