The Peepul Enterprise is a multi-purpose venue, also set up as a social enterprise where businesses can meet regularly for meetings and networking. A place for the local community, for people to come together for cultural events, classes and groups.
VAL started to support Peepul Enterprise in March 2020, before the lockdown. VAL met with the Directors to discuss Business development support, with the view to commissioning VAL to help the group develop better income generation activities.
However, following lockdown, most of its facilities had to close and the focus changed to emergency Covid support to the local BAME community. VAL helped Peepul Enterprise identify a range of funding opportunities, including the Barclays Bank funding. VAL supported their funding officer with project planning for this fund in line with their priorities and objectives.
The group were able to submit an application and successfully secured £100,000 from their Community Aid Funding.
During this time the centre continued to support the local community by providing thousands of free meals. By July 2020 the Peepul Centre had provided 25,000 meals to local people in need and key workers. It is also now operating as a large-scale Covid-19 vaccination centre. The funding will allow the centre to continue its “vital role” in the local response to the pandemic.
Anil Bhanot, CEO, Peepul Enterprise, said;
“Thank you to Krupa, and Voluntary Action LeicesterShire for supporting Peepul Enterprise in getting this funding. We couldn’t be more grateful to Barclays for their kind and generous award. Our management team and staff are excited to build on this wonderful project for the local communities”.
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