The Power to Change Research Institute is backing the research of three organisations into the role of community business in social care, health and wellbeing and village halls.
We are excited about our research programme for the year ahead at Power to Change, and in 2017 we will be collaborating with some great organisations.
At the start of this year, we put out an open call for research proposals. We wanted to encourage those working in and around the community business sector to tell us what research was needed to support the development and growth of community businesses.
“To be honest, we didn’t quite know what to expect – but the response has been fantastic.” said Ailbhe McNabola, Head of Research and Policy at Power to Change.
A total of 24 proposals were submitted, covering a broad range of topics, all pertinent to community businesses. The quality of proposals received was high, and we could have funded a good many more than the three that were chosen by our selection panel. We are having another open call for research in June – follow us @peoplesbiz and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about the next open call.
The projects we are supporting will each receive between £20,000 and £30,000 to deliver the research set out in their proposal. These excellent proposals will look at the relationship between community business and some of the most pressing issues we all face, from access to community resources in our local areas to social care and health services:
New Economics Foundation with Community Catalysts CIC Sustainable social care, what role for community business? Download the proposal
Rural Action Yorkshire with Durham Community Action Research to better understand the size, scale, scope, potential growth and future pipeline of Village Halls as Community Businesses Download the proposal
University of Middlesex The Role of Community Businesses in Providing Health & Wellbeing Services – challenges, opportunities and support needs Download the proposal
We will publish the findings of these research projects on our website where they will add to our growing evidence base on the role and value of community businesses.