Proper Good

About the programme

• Have you got a proper good idea or business that aims to make a positive difference to society? 

• Do you want to develop or grow trading income as a way to sustain your social impact?

• Do you need social investment and support to help you raise it?

• Are you based in Bolton, Oldham Stockport or Wigan?

The Proper Good programme offers free-to-access business support, networking, training, investment-readiness support and social investment to help you establish and grow your social enterprise.

Hosted by GMCVO and delivered by local partners, the programme covers Bolton, Oldham, Wigan and Stockport. 

Why it is needed

A social enterprise is any organisation that has social purpose and trades. To grow and sustain themselves and their social impact, organisations can develop enterprising activity (like selling products or services, hiring out spaces or delivering commissioned work). Social investment (loans specifically designed for social enterprises) is a brilliant way for these organisations to kickstart or grow their enterprising journey, but they often need support to access suitable funds.

Traditional business support doesn’t always meet the needs of social enterprises, investment can be lacking as funders and investors don’t understand the social enterprise business model and social enterprises lack connection as business networks often don’t feel relevant.  This programme aims to support the development of stronger, more resilient and sustainable social economies by connecting social enterprises with support and social investment that helps them thrive. We do this by offering tailored support and advice from experienced social entrepreneurs, business experts, social investors and partner agencies.

How it works

Local delivery partners will work with you to plan your trading income and investment journey, providing the specialist support you need along the way. When you are ready to apply for investment, our dedicated team will support you to complete your social investment application.

Enterprise support

No matter where you are in the development of your enterprise, if you want to grow your trading income and social impact, our local delivery partners can work with you to develop your plans, network and know-how so you have the capability and confidence to attract investment that will help you realise your ambitions.

We offer a locality-based programme of events, workshops, training, business support mentoring and networking sessions tailored to your needs and led by entrepreneurs who know how to run proper businesses that do good in their communities. 

Investment support

When you are ready to apply for investment, our team will support you with your application as you progress on your social investment journey.

We have developed products to suit different stages of your growth; whether you are kickstarting trading income, growing your reach, are looking to purchase a building or want to refurbish a building you own or lease long term.

Find out more about the Proper Good investment offer on our dedicated investment page.