Posted on: Friday 22 November 2024
Eight social enterprises have been given grants of up to £50,000 to help fund new business opportunities.
The grants aim to help ensure the long-term viability of the social enterprises which operate commercial projects to support local communities.
As part of the Social Enterprise Challenge grants, launched by the council’s Building Resilient Communities team in the summer, organisations will be given training and supported to develop a 12-month sustainability plan.
Mathew Bartlett, from Hope for the Community Project based at the Sharon Full Gospel Church, said: “Our project supports the community in Pontypool by providing a café and shop to help with food and fuel costs during the cost-of-living crisis.
“The grant will help us advertise and grow our business model to make this important work sustainable long-term.”
Nathan Daniel at Mentroar, a new social enterprise that provides support and personal mentoring to young people and adults with behavioural and emotional challenges, said: “We’re looking to use sport, fitness, outdoor activities, and peer mentoring to improve mental health and wellbeing.
"This programme will drive us forward, enabling us to support more people and be a catalyst for positive change.”
The other successful enterprises are:
- BB Sustainable Tourism: Opening a second retail shop in Blaenavon to boost the local economy with eco-conscious products.
- Cwmbran Centre for Young People: Expanding training sessions, meeting facilities, and a youth gym.
- Llanyravon Manor Farm: Re-opening Community Tea Rooms and hosting monthly markets.
- Ponthir Village Hall: Upgrading facilities to offer a wedding venue and community shops.
- Tasty Not Wasty: Expanding a community fridge and pay-as-you-feel café.
- Torfaen Talks: Providing pay-what-you-can counselling and mental health sessions.
As the UK’s largest co-operative development agency, Cwmpas has been working with Welsh Government and partners across Wales for more than 40 years to support businesses which prioritise social good over private profit.
Martin Downes, Learning and Development Lead at Cwmpas, said: “Social enterprises have a deep understanding of the needs of their communities and are uniquely placed to promote social value, as well as driving economic growth and community regeneration.
“We are honoured to partner with Torfaen County Borough Council to train and support these fantastic social enterprises. So much can be achieved when businesses work to tackle social issues and make an impact for good.”
There are estimated to be more than 30 social enterprises in Torfaen, including social care providers, recycling projects, and food co-operatives.
Cllr Fiona Cross, Executive Member of Communities, said: “Social enterprises provide vital services within our communities that can help people’s mental and physical well-being and support them financially.
“As part of our Community Well-being Strategy, we aim to support organisations like social enterprises to identify gaps in local services and to work with them to provide long-term, sustainable solutions.”
The Social Enterprise Challenge has received £315,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Notes to Editors:
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus