Free North West roadshow to help social enterprises prosper comes to Manchester

A free roadshow for social businesses across the North West will come to Manchester this month, geared towards helping community-driven organisations understand what funding is available to them to help them become more successful.

This follows a report independently commissioned by social business First Ark indicating that the North West social economy, much of which is centred around Manchester, is the strongest in the UK. The report, however, highlighted the urgent need for further investment to ensure that community organisations can become more sustainable.

In response to this, First Ark Social Investment have announced an event to discuss how community organisations can access funding and become stronger. The event, open to all local social enterprises and entrepreneurs, is set to be held at Friends Meeting House in Manchester city centre on 28 November, from 9am-12pm.

They will also discuss their recently launched ‘Invest for Impact’ fund, a scheme specifically for social enterprises, that allows social organisations to access up to £150k in a blend of grant and loan.

Tony Cahill, executive director at First Ark, said:
“The launch of the Invest for Impact fund is the latest chapter in the unfolding story of the North West’s booming social economy. This fund is available to organisations across the region dedicated to making their communities a better place, who are ready to step up their operations and grow.

“Manchester is the epicentre of the North West’s social economy. There are plenty of great businesses doing amazing things, and we’re looking forward to helping them get the support they need to become sustainable, diversify and keep on growing.”

The First Ark Social Investment Manchester Roadshow takes place on Monday 28th November, 09:00-12:00, at Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, M2 5NS. It is free to attend and open to anyone with an interest in social enterprise or community-driven organisations.

To register, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/first-ark-social-investment-manchester-roadshow-tickets-29370643385