Co-operatives UK to deliver Growth and Resilience Programme in West Yorkshire

Co-operatives UK is proud to announce it has partnered with the School for Social Entrepreneurs to deliver a Growth and Resilience Programme for co-ops, community businesses and social enterprises in West Yorkshire. 

The programme has been set up to support ‘alternative businesses’ to grow, reach new markets and network with other socially minded and democratically owned businesses in West Yorkshire. It also aims to develop resilience and leadership skills to help create and safeguard jobs.  

Of the 20 places on the programme, 10 will be available to members of co-operative and community benefit societies – and the learning will be tailored to participants’ needs. Potential topics include: 

• Business strategy planning and income streams  
• Personal resilience and wellbeing  
• Leadership  
• Increasing financial resilience  
• Environmental impact and decarbonisation  
• Reaching new markets  
• Governance & HR  
• Social investment  

The programme will run over eight weeks from May to October 2024, comprising online learning sessions, smaller group work, one-to-one peer support and in-person visits and networking. A small bursary will be available to support people’s attendance.  

Applications are welcome from co-ops based in West Yorkshire who have been trading for at least 18 months and can provide financial records, legal structure and governance documents – and demonstrate an interest in growing their business.    

Applications are particularly encouraged from ​businesses led by disabled people, LGBTQIA+ and black and minoritised communities​ – and people with lived experience of the issues their co-op or community business is addressing.  

Download the application guidance notes from our website here and apply using the online form here. The deadline to apply is midday on Friday 19 April.​ 

​All applications will be assessed by SSE and Co-operatives UK and places will be offered by Monday 6 May at the latest.​ 

SSE and Co-operatives UK will be hosting a webinar to share more about the programme on Monday 11 March at 3pm. Register to attend here.  

The programme is part of the wider Business for Good West Yorkshire (BfGWY) programme. This is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is led by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.  

Business for Good West Yorkshire is being led by TSL Kirklees, with local delivery partners Voluntary Action Leeds, SEE Ahead, Stir to Action and Coop Culture supported by national organisations Co-ops UK and School for Social Entrepreneurs; in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, acting as Lead Authority for the Funds.  

Find out more

Business for Good West Yorkshire – Website | Facebook | LinkedIn
Growth and Resilience Programme – Webinar | Application Guidance | Application Form