The Community Business Trade Up Programme- Deadline on 26 June 2023

Organisation
Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)
Article date
15 May 2023
Primary interest
Voluntary sector

The Community Business Trade Up Programme 2023 will run in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) and funded by Power to Change and The Dulverton Trust. Together, they have already supported 440 community businesses and other projects improving their local area.

Participants in the learning programme will be supported to strengthen their business and ensure their models are sustainable, increase income, improve leadership and business skills, and be given the opportunity to network with people from similar organisations to support each other.

What are the funder’s priorities?

They welcome applications from all community businesses, particularly keen to support community businesses which are:

  • Led by a board or team who are mostly people from minoritised communities
  • Led by a board who are mostly young people (aged 16-35) 
  • Located in and giving support to very deprived or disadvantaged local communities
Who is eligible to apply?

This programme is open to ‘early stage’ community businesses in England that are working towards these criteria:

  • Locally rooted – your organisation exists to benefit your local area.
  • Accountable to the local community – you consult local people about what you do and communicate with them
  • Trading for the benefit of the local community,
  • Making a broad community impact – what you do engages different groups of people from your local area
How much is the grant?

Up to £5,000 Match Trading grant.

How to apply?
  1. Please carefully read the Application Guidance.
  2. you must complete the online application.

Check out the free webinars that will provide you with all the information you need.

Register for  webinars:

  • Wednesday 17 May at 10am
  • Tuesday 6 June at 6pm
  • Tuesday 20 June at 2pm
Is there a deadline?
  • The deadline for applications will close at 12 noon on Monday 26 June 2023.
Further information and support:
  • Link to fund for more information: The Community Business Trade Up Programme 
  • Ask questions and get advice on completing your application at cbtu@sse.org.uk or 017 2621 6101
  • If you would like further support from RVA with submitting a funding application or any support with governance required for your group to get ready for this funding, please email advice@rva.org.uk or telephone 0118 937 2273 for free and independent support and advice.