A new, two-year community micro-enterprise project is now underway in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
Funded by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, the project provides free support to people interested in setting up or growing a community micro-enterprise. It is delivered in partnership with Community Catalysts and aims to enable local people, small groups, and existing small grassroots providers to set up or develop sustainable ventures that offer a rich range of activities and opportunities for disabled and older people in local communities.
A community micro-enterprise is a small, community-rooted initiative run by people who are passionate about making a positive difference.
Such ventures might include art workshops, inclusive exercise classes, gardening groups, language clubs, or social outings—all focused on helping disabled and older people to live fulfilling lives, connect with others, and maintain their independence.
Whether you are a sole trader, an informal partnership, a small voluntary group, or a budding social enterprise, community micro-enterprises come in many forms but share a common mission: helping people have more choice about how they want to live their lives.
Thanks to funding from BCP Council, this project offers free, expert support specifically for people who want to set up or grow a community micro-enterprise.
A dedicated local Catalyst, Carole Pilley, employed by Community Catalysts, will provide tailored one-to-one guidance. Whether you’re exploring an idea for a new community enterprise or looking to develop an existing one, Carole can help you navigate regulations, access training, connect with peer networks, and build confidence in running your own micro-enterprise.
This community micro-enterprise project is a key part in BCP Council’s Self-Directed Support programme, which emphasises personal choice and control in adult social care.
It aligns with BCP’s Day Opportunities Strategy (2024–2029) and encourages the growth of flexible, community-based options that respond to diverse individual needs. By nurturing a wide range of activities and support services close to home, the project helps unlock more personal budget options, such as Direct Payments and Individual Service Funds, which enable people to direct their own care and shape their own lives.
Councillor David Brown, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at BCP Council said:
“We understand the importance of all our communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and value the activities and support provided by local groups that can have a huge impact on people’s lives and wellbeing.
BCP Council is committed to ensuring a wide range of activities, support and care is available to our residents – particularly people living with a disability or long-term condition. We are looking forward to our partnership with Community Catalysts, which will support local people and organisations to develop neighbourhood-based activities and opportunities; helping everyone to live rich and fulfilled lives.”
I would urge anyone who runs a community micro-enterprise that’s dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, or who is interested in launching one, to get in touch and find out how we can support you.”
If you’re local to the area with a skill, passion, or idea – perhaps you have a background in care or community work, or maybe you’re completely new to the field – now is the time to explore how you can play a role in improving the lives of others. The community micro-enterprise project offers the chance to:
If you’re interested, contact your local Catalyst, Carole Pilley at 07435 943887 or email: carole.pilley@communitycatalysts.co.uk.