In February 2021, the organisation ‘Gather Create Grow’ based in Blaby, needed help and support with their business planning and advice on how to become a CIC. A community interest company (CIC) is a type of company designed for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good.
The CIC was set up to plan, design, and deliver creative art workshops, projects and events including Cosby Yarn Bomb, with a focus on improving wellbeing, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting togetherness.
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Through reading a weekly edition, the entrepreneurs heard about the School for Social Entrepreneurship (SSE) and their Start Up 2021 programme. This programme is a partnership with Lloyds Bank, The National Lottery Community Fund, and SSE. The programme consists of a grant of £1,000 along with a peer support network, mentor and a free learning programme spread across 14 days over a year.
They were successful with their application process which included an interview panel and were accepted onto the Start Up 2021 programme.
Intensive support and advice was given by Helen, from our Sector Support Team including:
- Support with a social enterprise business plan
- Setting up a bank account and some advice on financial forecasting
- Help with the application process for registering a Community Interest Company including CIC36 statement
- Feedback on how to approach the SSE programme interview process in context to social/ environment impact, business idea, and the person
The organisation was successful with its register and became incorporated on 30 July 2021.
“Thank you for all your help Helen. We really appreciate how hard you have worked to support us.“
If you would like any help or support for your group or organisation, get in touch with our Sector Support Team, who are here to help:
0116 257 5050