Macc’s Policy & Influence team convenes the Manchester Social Economy Alliance (MSEA) – a growing network of organisations and changemakers who are part of Manchester’s vibrant social economy.
The social economy includes businesses and enterprises that reinvest their profits to achieve positive social or environmental goals. This includes community interest companies (CICs), cooperatives, charities, social enterprises, and individual social entrepreneurs. These organisations work to strengthen communities, create inclusive employment, build local wealth, and deliver sustainable services and products that benefit our communities and our environment.
Macc acts as a lead facilitator of the MSEA and is proud to work in partnership with Flourish Together CIC to bring the Alliance together. Now entering our second year, we are building momentum and continuing to provide both strategic and grassroots-level support to strengthen the social economy across Manchester.
The MSEA is here to:
- Host events that grow and support the sector, including free training, peer support, and one-to-one mentoring opportunities.
- Influence local policy and procurement to ensure Manchester’s social economy has a voice in decision-making and benefits from public sector procurement opportunities.
- Foster collaboration between organisations to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities.
If you're part of Manchester’s social economy and want to connect with others, get support, or find ways to collaborate – we invite you to join the MSEA.
Get involved
Sign up to our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming events, training, and key policy developments. Get in touch: Contact Josie McMeeking at Josie@macc.org.uk or LinkedIn for more information.
E26 / Free Support for Social Businesses in Manchester
Macc is proud to be part of a new Greater Manchester-wide programme funded by 10GM, designed to boost the support available to social economy organisations and community businesses in Manchester.
What is this programme?
We’re expanding our support offer to meet the specific needs of social economy organisations — helping them to start up, grow, operate sustainably, and increase their impact. This programme connects organisations with expert advice, practical support, and new opportunities to develop their capacity and reach wider markets.
What support is available?
This programme offers free, tailored support including:
- One-to-one advice from specialists in social enterprises and co-ops
- Mentoring and small peer support groups
- Access to external business support and funding pathways
- Expert guidance on key areas such as:
- Financial planning and legal structures
- Community asset development
- Demonstrating social impact
- Digital transformation
- Contract bidding and marketing strategy
Who is it for?
If you’re part of a social economy organisation operating in Manchester — or supporting a Manchester-based community — you could be eligible for free support.
We support a wide range of organisations that trade for social or environmental good, including:
- Social enterprises
- Trading charities
- Credit unions
- Community benefit societies
- Worker and consumer co-operatives
- Mutuals
- Community businesses with a social purpose
- Employee-owned businesses, social firms, CICs, and more
Even if you’re just at the start of your journey and planning to launch a social enterprise, we’d love to hear from you.