Power to Change is celebrating 10 years backing community business. We know community business works to create thriving places. We have seen and evidenced it over the last decade. We also know there is so much more they can do. This year we are reflecting, celebrating, and looking to the future.
With the right conditions, community businesses can help build an economy that works for people and the planet, give communities a greater say in the decisions that affect them, and support people to make meaningful connections within a community they can rely on. The future of business is community business.
To celebrate a decade backing community business, we’re bringing you a programme of events, stories, and essays, celebrating the community business sector, reflecting on our lessons learnt, and setting out our vision for the future of communities.
Back on the Map
Evolving out of the New Deal for Communities in the early 2000s, Back on the Map is a changemaking community business based in Hendon, on the outskirts of Sunderland, which works to make Hendon a place of opportunity to live, work and thrive by creating a better place, a stronger community and a local voice.
Edberts House
On the High Lanes estate in Gateshead, Edberts House is more than just a building—it’s a warm, welcoming space that has been that listening ear
since 2009. With a pioneering approach to community-led health and wellbeing, Edberts House is proving that real change starts on your doorstep.
Grimsby
Community businesses are making an impact in Grimsby, creating local employment opportunities, tackling deprivation and restoring pride in the community, while finding new ways to generate income to become self-sustaining.
October Books
Founded in 1977, October Books is a co-operative, a radical neighbourhood bookshop and community hub in Southampton. The shop provides a mixed retail offering, complemented by a range of spaces available for hire for community-led events and services.
Legacy West Midlands
Beginning life as a heritage organisation, Legacy West Midlands has become a catalyst to the growth of the social economy in Soho and Handsworth. As well as delivering health, wellbeing, culture, and youth programmes to its community, it now has a hand in connecting local community groups and social entrepreneurs.
West Midlands Combined Authority
West Midlands Combined Authority is committed to tackling inequalities through inclusive growth. To do this, they have set out a bold vision to double the size of the social economy.
We've partnered with West Midlands Combined Authority to implement their social economy growth strategy, making the West Midlands a better place to live and work in, for everyone.
North East Combined Authority
The North East Combined Authority is determined to maximise the region’s potential and address deprivation and socio-economic challenges facing their communities. Power to Change is supporting this goal with a partnership to help grow and develop the region’s social economy.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Liverpool City Region is transforming into a place with a diverse and vibrant social economy, circulating profits locally to tackle deprivation head on.
Since 2018, Power to Change has partnered with Liverpool City Region to help grow and develop the community business sector, as part of the wider social economy.
Star and Shadow Cinema
As entertainment venues across the country are struggling, Star and Shadow Cinema is offering a vibrant, multi-arts and community-focused programme to the community in Newcastle’s East End. They’re breathing new life into their local area and inspiring and training the next generation of entertainment.
Friends of Stretford Public Hall
After saving a cherished Victorian grade II listed ballroom through a community share offer, Friends of Stretford Public Hall have transformed the space into a vibrant community hub. They've now set their sights on helping the community have more say over their town centre's regeneration, including through participation in our Community Improvement District pilot.
Sherford Community Land Trust
Empowering residents in a new build estate to create the community assets and shared spaces they want and need.
Three Seas
Three Seas is helping to tackle the housing crisis in Cornwall by developing old coastguard cottages into affordable long-term rental accommodation for local people.
