One Manchester are always looking at ways to support new and growing businesses in the area and they have allocated £40,000 to do just that. 
If you are a locally based business (or your business helps deliver social benefits to communities), then One Manchester are interested in hearing from you. One Manchester are offering small grants of between £500 and £5,000 to help you make your initial steps towards developing your business or taking it to the next stage. Plus, in addition to this funding, they will also help applicants with other sources of support and development.
One Manchester are particularly interested in hearing from people who are looking to develop sustainable businesses and create employment opportunities in their neighbourhoods.
Who can apply?
Enterprises operating, or seeking to operate in One Manchester’s area of benefit. Individuals seeking to set up new businesses benefiting these areas.
What sorts of proposals will be considered?
• Proposals that demonstrate potential for growth and employment opportunities, particular in areas where there are limited opportunities
• Socially purposed businesses that are able to demonstrate how they can contribute to One Manchester’s social priorities
• Enterprises that demonstrate potential for partnership working with One Manchester through their supply chain or social investment activities
Deadline for expressions of Interest: 8 January 2018
Applicants will be shortlisted and notified by 19 January. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their idea at an event in February, where the best ideas will be awarded funding and support from One Manchester and their partners.
One Manchester are hosting a launch event where you can get more information on how the catalyst fund works on:
Date & Time: 30 November 2017, 6pm - 8pm
Venue: Brooks Building, Manchester Metropolitan University
For a free ticket to the launch event, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/one-manchester-catalyst-fund-launch-event-tickets-39723169068
For further and to apply, visit: www.onemanchester.co.uk/investing-our-communities/our-social-investment-strategy/catalyst-fund-business-and-start-grant, or email: [email protected]