Discover the Free Services Powering Bolton’s Social Enterprises!

Imagine a business that’s not just about profits but is deeply rooted in the heart of the community. That’s what a social enterprise, or Community Interest Company (CIC), embodies—a business designed to uplift its community while driving change.

These aren’t your typical charities. They’re powerhouses of change, making incredible strides in vital sectors like education and social care.

Lisa Forrest, the Project Coordinator for Proper Good, shares this insight: “Social enterprises are catalysts of good, creating significant economic impacts in their communities.

“They offer local jobs with fair wages, setting a commendable example for businesses everywhere about how to operate with purpose.

“Most founders are motivated by a desire to tackle social issues and often draw from their own experiences with the challenges they seek to address.

“However, not everyone has a business background.

“That’s where Proper Good steps in, helping these passionate individuals hone their business acumen, whether they’re just starting out or looking to scale up.”

With the support of Bolton Community and Voluntary Service’s (CVS) Proper Good program, social enterprises can successfully navigate the complexities of business.

This initiative provides CICs with legal frameworks, governance training, and essential accounting workshops.

It also aids in crafting those all-important business plans.

And yes, it’s about boosting their revenue!

Lisa explains: “We offer loans funded by Local Access, enabling them to expand their operations or hire more staff.

Image: Newsquest (Lisa Forrest)

“When they seek loans from traditional banks, they often hit roadblocks.

“Social enterprises can be seen as high-risk.

“But we provide funding that values the difference they make—something that matters just as much as profits.”

Proper Good also guides them in diversifying their income streams—whether that means launching an online store, renting out space, or exploring other opportunities.

Lisa adds: “Many CICs depend heavily on grants, which can be unreliable.

“And let’s face it—there’s less grant money available now than ever before.”

Proper Good empowers CICs to achieve financial stability through self-generated income.

Unfortunately, like all good things, this project has an expiration date.

Lisa notes: “Proper Good’s business support program is funded for just five years, with our loan funding lasting ten.

But we’re committed to leaving a lasting impact.

Every few months, we host an Enterprise Network Programme.

This gives Bolton’s social enterprises a chance to meet, connect, and collaborate.

Lisa elaborates: “We hope to create a legacy.

“We want these organizations to trade and support one another long after our funding has ended.”

And that’s not all—Bolton CVS has another initiative designed for CICs called Turn Up the Value.

This program assists with the often frustrating paperwork required for funding—specifically, social impact reports.

Karen Smith, Director of Turn Up the Value, emphasizes: “CICs must consistently demonstrate their social impact to secure grants or contracts, or risk losing funding.

“We help them streamline this process.

“Without proper guidance, they could find themselves pulled in various directions and reporting on multiple fronts.”

Image: Newsquest (Karen Smith)

“Our process enables them to monitor their organization’s social impact as a whole instead of conducting repetitive reporting.”

Social enterprises like Funding Futures have found Karen’s expertise to be a game changer.

Launched over two years ago by husband-and-wife duo Hayley and Billy Darroch, Funding Futures originated from their successful HD Beauty business, which boasted three salons, a training center, and a wholesale shop.

Driven by a desire to give back, they began offering free beauty training spaces to disadvantaged women.

Billy recalls: “By last October, we had a waiting list of 140 eager participants.

“That’s when we registered it as a CIC.”

Today, Funding Futures is flourishing, providing free training to women in pursuit of careers in beauty.

Image: Public (Hayley and Billy Darroch)

Billy adds: “Our six-week programs are designed for those furthest from employment.

“We introduce them to structured and accredited learning, alongside valuable work experience.

“In our ten-week program, we incorporate three weeks of life skills, digital skills, and employment readiness training.

“In just a year, we’ve successfully qualified 164 women.

“We’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and those at risk of entering the judicial system.

“A remarkable 83% of our graduates have secured employment, self-employment, or further education within three months.”

Image: Public (Funding Futures graduates)

“Our success stems from giving participants the freedom to choose their paths rather than imposing rigid expectations.

“Every graduate walks away equipped to start earning money or exploring job opportunities immediately.”

Karen has played a pivotal role in their growth journey.

Billy reflects: “While I had a solid grasp of business strategy, I recognized my weakness in reporting social impact and value.

“That’s when I reached out to Proper Good for mentorship from Karen.

“She helped us refine our values and taught us how to effectively report them.

“By the time Karen concluded her mentorship, we were securing contracts.

“Her guidance truly elevated our organization.

“Instead of urging businesses to do a little good, we could now showcase the mutual benefits of collaboration.”