Support for Social Economy Organisations in Rochdale

For organisations who do business differently, and want to make a lasting impact in Rochdale

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.

Visit: https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/contact/

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

Open SME

Online, on-demand programme launches new course to help time-strapped business leaders.

Four universities in Greater Manchester have added new content to the OPEN SME programme giving refreshed insights into three key business challenges:

  • Better together: be introduced to a series of different networking approaches that guide you through practical steps to optimise networking.

  • Sustainability: Get answers to the big questions - Why is sustainability important for your business? How can you make a difference? How can you balance sustainability against your other business priorities?

  • Signposting and support: Understand the Greater Manchester business support landscape and unlock the funding, events and opportunities available to your business.

The free programme is a partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Bolton, University of Manchester, and the University of Salford.

OPEN SME is fully funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Business Growth Hub, and there’s no cost to access the programme.

Open SME flyer featuring the words 'Unlock the network of small business'

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.

Our Business logo-Dark Green

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!