Co-ops, Community Business and Coronavirus

Thank you to all our clients who have contacted us recently about concerns amid the COVID-19 situation. We are really glad that you are making contact and asking questions – please do continue to do this. 

The situation is changing rapidly and we would encourage you all to get the most up to date news from trusted channels – the GovernmentDepartment of Health, the National Health Service and the World Health Organisation

The latest Government advice for business is here

Further resources including handwashing and public health posters, and business continuity planning advice and templates, are linked in this post from Plunkett Foundation.

A statement from Social Investors including us, detailing support available, has been released and is on the Good Finance website along with their COVID-19 Resource Hub

The Architectural Heritage Fund are currently aiming to assess and award grants as advertised

Power to Change have paused their general programmes to focus on supporting grantees through the crisis

If you would like to support and shop at Community Business at this time check the Power To Change map here

The Princes Trust and NatWest have established a £5million Enterprise Relief Fund which will offer grants to 18 to 30-year olds across the UK who are self-employed and/or running their own business.

Funders and lenders are all active and present on social media – find their pages and channels, and connect with organisations like yours to get support and advice from your peers.

And please, continue to contact us with any questions. We are committed to supporting our clients through this and to there being a healthy sector at the end of it.

[This post was updated on the 3rd April to include links to The Architectural Heritage Fund, Power to Change pausing programmes, The Princes Trust, and the Good Finance Resource Hub, and to change the image used]