New community enterprises in Solihull can get a boost with grants of up to £500 from the Social Enterprise Development Foundation CIO backed by Development in Social Enterprise (DISE).

Individuals and informal groups with business ideas that will help their local community can apply to receive a package of support which includes a grant, business consultancy and training to give them the best possible start.

It is hoped the initiative will help to stimulate a new wave of community businesses in Solihull, similar to Chelmund’s Fish and Chips, which caught the headlines when it opened as Britain’s first community chip shop earlier this year.

The start-up fund has been made possible by DISE, which donates its profits to the Social Enterprise Development Foundation to help community groups grow their ideas.

David Lane, MD of DISE said:

“We’re pleased to be able to offer community members and groups small grants to stimulate their ideas and get their community businesses going, as many early stage organisations find it hard to find funding to get their ideas off the ground.”

The grant complements Solihull’s Community Enterprise for Success programme, which offers two days business support to social sector organisations, enabling beneficiaries to get the best possible start.

The grant can be used to cover expenses such as business registration, travel, marketing and event costs.

Applicants are invited to complete an expression of interest form by 9am on 22 October, outlining their plans and how the fund could assist them.

Download an application pack and check eligibility here 

Notes

The Social Enterprise Development Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO No 1162437). It was set up in 2015 to:

  • Provide incubator and hub spaces for enterprises
  • Provide enterprise development support, advice and guidance
  • Provide small organisations and start up enterprises with development grants.

For more information visit http://sedf-cio.org.uk