We offer one-to-one support and training on:
Starting up and growing an idea, including choosing a legal and governance structure
Defining and developing your social purpose
Sustainability; business planning, developing your trade and generating income
Marketing your products and developing your audience
Leadership and resilience support for Social Entrepreneurs
Workforce Development; to develop the skills within your team to grow your business
Networking opportunities
Organisations working with us to support you
To further support our members we work closely with:
Build a Business in GM Libraries
The Business and Intellectual Property Centre in Ashton Library, offers information and support including:
- Workshops in Starting Up, Branding, Business Planning, Finance, Marketing and Customer Research
- Tailored 1:1 support from our Enterprise Officer
- Industry-quality information including: business to business mailing lists, customer surveys, supplier and industry data.
- 'How-To' factsheets covering a huge range of business topics
- Intellectual Property (trademarks, logos, copyright, design rights and patents)
- Free networking opportunities and co-working space
Visit: www.buildabusinessgm.org
GM Business Growth Hub
GM Business Growth Hub are a community of specialists with a passion for helping businesses. They work hand-in-hand with you at every stage of your growth journey. Whatever the need, they provide the right support for you to succeed, including:
- Online workshops: finance, sales, marketing, business planning
- Enterprising You - help you start-up your new venture, elevate your profile or discover your business's growth potential
- Sector Specialist – including VCFSE specialist, social value and net zero
GM Business Hub specialists have supported hundreds of Greater Manchester businesses working in the green technologies and services sector to increase their visibility, improve their competitiveness and take advantage of new sales opportunities.
Rochdale Offer to Businesses
Free support, advice and business workshops if you're starting a business.
Build a Business is an innovative project aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone thinking of starting their own business.
You can access free workshops covering all the essentials of starting and growing a business, support and business resources.
Visit: www.rochdale.gov.uk/business-advice-support/starting-business
Rochdale Development Agency
Rochdale Development Agency is dedicated to promoting Rochdale as a central investment location while continuing to support and assist existing investors.
The Rochdale Development Agency has strong links with both the council, and the commercial sector, and has helped many businesses relocate to the area.
Visit: www.investinrochdale.co.uk
For more information
If you would like to find out more about support for Social Economy Organisations in Rochdale, please email: development@actiontogether.org.uk
Upcoming Events
Good Finance Live
Good Finance Live is a one-day event sharing practical learnings and insights around social investment, and for organisations in the room, an opportunity to network and meet directly with social investors. Social enterprise/charity leaders who are actively exploring social investment are invited to attend the event in-person. There will be panel sessions throughout the day will be streamed online and are open to all.
- Hear from peers whose organisations have used social investment
- Learn from investors about the practical considerations of social investment
- Ask questions and take part in Q&A and discussion
- Deepen your understanding of the different social investment products
- Meet directly with investors and peers, building valuable connections*
*In person attendees only.
Date/time: Tuesday 29 April 2025, 9am to 5pm (please note panel sessions will take place between 11am - 3pm).
Location: Online, and in Friends House, Euston, London.
The Procurement Act and Social Value Roundtable
Join GMCA for an exclusive event and find out more about the impact on SME’s and VCSE’s operating in Greater Manchester.
This in-depth exploration of the Procurement Act 2023 and its impact on SMEs and VCSEs operating in Greater Manchester, will feature insights from a distinguished panel of industry leaders. This event will cover perspectives from SMEs, VCSEs, and contracting authorities, providing a comprehensive view of the changes. We will also emphasise the importance of social value in business practices.
Date/time: Thursday 8 May 2025, 11:30am to 3pm.
Location: Friends' Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS.
Our Business
Our Business is a Greater Manchester community hub for you to build your community, share knowledge, and access business help and support. The Our Business Platform is designed to support and empower Greater Manchester's social economy.
Greater Manchester-based social enterprises, trading charities, co-operatives, freelancers and consultants can book FREE bootcamps, masterclasses and one-to-one support. All events require a valid ticket.
Rochdale Inclusive Economy Forum
Join our Rochdale Inclusive Economy Forum, a collaborative space for Rochdale-based social enterprises to come together, network, share information and learn about the support available!
