Is Stoke-on-Trent enterprising? You bet it is!
I’m now 6 months into my role as Community Enterprise Catalyst here in Stoke-on-Trent and I can confirm that the people here really are the kindest you will ever meet. That bodes well for my work which involves mentoring local people to set up their own small enterprises offering care and support to other local people – we call these community enterprises – they build on people’s strengths and firmly have kindness at the heart! I have spent time getting to know people in the community, those “go to” people who are doing amazing stuff, all over the city. I have developed some cracking relationships, including with our partners at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, in particular the Locality Connectors who work in the Community Lounges. Their support has been crucial to the success of this project. Long may it continue (they make great 🫖too!!)
What is the Community Catalysts’ Programme?
The programme is a partnership project between Community Catalysts and Stoke-on-Trent City Council which aims to offer people a real choice of quality support and local options by helping local people to set up their own community enterprises.
We’re extremely pleased with how well the Community Catalysts programme has been received so far. This project empowers local entrepreneurs to setup their own business, giving them autonomy on their work/life balance and ultimately helping people in the communities across Stoke-on-Trent.
Cllr Ally Simcock, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Stoke-on-Trent City Council
In practice, I help community enterprise leaders get set up and to ensure that they understand how to comply with regulation (things like insurance and DBS). I also help them to put together a portfolio of documents and useful information (things like policies, safeguarding, confidentiality)…and I help them to market themselves on our local Small Good Stuff website.
The project focus is particularly around community enterprises that offer care and help at home (as well as in the wider community) for older and disabled people. I also advise small groups and organisations that are already established and who might be looking to diversify or extend what they offer.
What sort of community enterprises have set up?
Have a look!! Small Good Stuff is growing all the time. There are currently community enterprises offering all sorts, from help at home and personal care to help with gardening, getting out and about and lots more. I’m supporting new community enterprises all the time…a handyman service is coming soon too!
How can I find out more or get involved?
Get in touch ‘😊, either by 📱07435943945 📩alice.cosgrove@communitycatalysts.co.uk
I’m always happy to talk the process through, give examples of what my support looks like, and crucially, explain the difference it makes to people in Stoke-on-Trent.
“Vis unita fortior”
“United strength is stronger”