The annual open doors event, which was due to run from Thursday 14 May to Sunday 17 May, will now take place later in the year, with the date dependent on the ongoing Coronavirus situation.
There are 9,000 community businesses across England, and they organise a huge range of events to mark the occasion. Previous years have seen street parties, community business tours, free taster classes, inspiring debates, volunteer sessions, markets and grand openings of new businesses.
Charlotte Cassedanne, Head of Communications at Power to Change, said: “We are extremely sad to be putting this year’s plans on hold but obviously, we have to take steps to along with the rest of the country to keep everyone as safe as possible.
“Community businesses are often working on the front line in crises like this, running food banks, baby banks, supplying food and drinks and coordinating essential community support. We would urge everyone to find their local community business and see if they need any help. You can find your local community business by searching our online map.”
Like many other funders in these uncertain times, Power to Change is working on emergency funding packages to support community businesses, which will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
To find your local community business follow this link: https://www.powertochange.org.uk/get-inspired/find-local-community-business/
About Power to Change
Power to Change is the independent trust that supports community businesses in England.
Community businesses are locally rooted, community-led, trade for community benefit and make life better for local people. The sector owns assets worth £890m, and comprises 9,000 community businesses across England who employ 33,600 people. (Source: Community Business Market 2019)
From pubs to libraries; shops to bakeries; swimming pools to solar farms; community businesses are creating great products and services, providing employment and training and transforming lives. Power to Change received its endowment from the National Lottery Community Fund in 2015.
Power to Change is a signatory of the Funder Commitment on Climate Change.
www.powertochange.org.uk @peoplesbiz
For more information please contact: Alex Valk 07384 812777 alexv@www.powertochange.org.uk
About The National Lottery Community Fund
We are the largest community funder in the UK – we’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Since June 2004, we have made over 200,000 grants and awarded over £9 billion to projects that have benefited millions of people.
We are passionate about funding great ideas that matter to communities and make a difference to people’s lives. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that when people are in the lead, communities thrive. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, our funding is open to everyone. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.