We work with our partners to build better places.
We know community business works to build stronger communities and better places to live. We back them to grow and succeed. But we don’t do it alone, we work in partnership with a range of organisations to shape the conditions for community businesses to thrive.
We work with a large range of organisations to shape the conditions for community businesses to thrive. This includes:
- Funders and foundations
- Investors, from social investors to private investors
- Government at all levels, including regional and local authorities
- Think tanks and advocacy organisations
- Community businesses
Want to work with us?
We do, test and learn in three areas
News and views
Our thinking and latest updates on how we’re backing community business.
Community business is a catalyst for growth and cohesion
Our latest research on the economic contribution of community business illustrates the key role they play in economic growth. But their value goes beyond economic measures, playing a vital role in fostering connection, social value, and resilience in our communities.
Give us a chance and we’ll give you community power
Next up in our 10th anniversary essay collection, Sacha Bedding, Chief Executive of the Wharton Trust, reflects on their journey to empower local people in Dyke House, Hartlepool, to take action in their community.
Equity and inclusion in community business support
The Powering Up programme placed equity and inclusion at its heart, recognising the additional barriers faced by minoritised and racialised communities. This blog shares key lessons from our approach, from simplifying access and embedding culturally competent support, to building trust through lived experience and continuously evolving the programme design.
No results found.
Learning what works
We’ve built up significant evidence and research about what works for community business to thrive. We are committed to partnering with think tanks and research institutions to test, do and learn how to tackle the barriers to their success.
The economic contribution of community business
There have long been gaps in quantitative evidence around the unique economic contribution that community business makes. This new research provides an estimate of the total economic contribution made by community businesses to the national economy. It highlights the different ways, to whom, and where community businesses drive economic benefits locally.
Powering Up diversity, equity and inclusion reports
These interim and final reports outline the diversity, equity and inclusion approach taken during the Powering Up programme.
‘No-code’ but not alone
A guide for community businesses developing the right tech with the right type of support, drawing on lessons from our Powering Up programme.
No results found.