Warrington Borough Council has launched a new partnership supporting residents in setting up their own small businesses dedicated to helping others in Warrington.
The council is funding work with Community Catalysts, who can support residents with setting up their own small businesses, known as ‘community micro-enterprises’.
Residents who set up a business will also have the benefit of having it listed on the Community Catalysts directory, called Small Good Stuff. Residents can browse these services, which are designed to complement the existing offer of support available in the town provided from statutory services, and the wide range of services available from the voluntary, community and faith sector.
The funding for this project has been secured through the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is funding from the government to support a range of priorities, including communities, businesses, people and skills.
The types of community micro-enterprises that Community Catalysts can support are those that centre on an offer of support for others to help them to live independently. This may include providing vital help and support for older and disabled people in their own homes, such as practical help around the home, cleaning, gardening, pet support, shopping or with accessing community activities.
Each person who wants to get involved with setting up a community micro-enterprise has the support of a dedicated local catalyst, who can work with them at various stages of developing their business. This may include mentorship or helping enterprises to find sources of income to grow and cover start up costs.
The support provided by Community Catalysts may be of interest to those who may have experience working in the health and social care sector, or those with the skills and knowledge to carry out support tasks for others.
One of the first businesses to be listed on the website is ‘Kind Hearts Kind Hands’, a befriending and practical support service for older people.
Owner of Kind Hearts Kind Hands, Sam Birchall, speaks about how local catalyst Diane has helped her with setting up her business. Sam said: “This was a dream that I have had for years – working with people in the community is close to my heart. Through Diane’s support at Community Catalysts, I have the confidence to take the leap to make my dream a reality.”
In addition to helping people start new micro-enterprises, Community Catalysts can also support existing small groups and organisations in Warrington that are looking to expand or diversify what they currently offer.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “Community Catalysts is a great way of inspiring those with a passion for helping others to go for it and set up their own business.
“The micro-enterprises that are being set up across Warrington provide a range of creative support options for residents to choose from, which complements the wider offer of services available from our providers and the voluntary, community and faith sector.”
If you’d like to set up or expand your own business offering support in Warrington, visit the Community Catalyst website
