Post start-up programme launched to support UK VCSEs
A new programme has been launched by the charity CAN to support previously overlooked ‘post start-up’ charities and social enterprises in the UK.
CAN³ will offer between 10-15 voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) a share of £450,000 worth of subsidised business support and central London office space. This will include; professional advice on business strategy and impact measurement frameworks, peer-to-peer networking and mentorship, as well as subsidised desk and meeting room space.
CEO of CAN Andrew Croft said: “At CAN, we have recognised that social sector organisations in the ‘post start-up’ phase find it really hard to access the right support to take them over the next big hurdles in their journey to success. It’s part of our social mission to use our expertise and the great office spaces we have to address those needs.
“Maybe you’ve been through a start-up accelerator programme, or got some grant funding to kick start your organisation – we all know that initial phase can come and go pretty quickly. But what happens next when you’re left to fend for yourself? This is where CAN³ comes in.”
Having supported VCSEs for two decades, CAN has found that for post start-up organisations there is a critical need for support to accelerate growth and build sustainable revenue. The CAN³ programme combines the investment and business expertise of CAN’s Invest team with the dedicated office space of CAN Mezzanine.
During a recent visit to CAN’s HQ at its Mezzanine in Borough, minister for civil society Rob Wilson said: “Through the work of organisations like CAN, charities and social enterprises are finding news ways to secure their long-term sources of finance. This is making them stronger, more sustainable and is helping us to build a stronger, more compassionate society.”
Among the organisations already based in the CAN Mezzanine, are; Tech For Trade, Public Concern at Work and UpReach. To find out more about CAN³, click here.
