News
Book now to join Stir To Action for the ABCs of Community Assets
The ABCs of Community Assets, a new training programme from Stir to Action aiming to inspire a nation of new community asset leaders, is open for bookings, now. Running from the 12th of March to the 9th July 2025, the programme – featuring workshops and study visits – will support local groups to find out […]
BOOK NOW: Alternative Business Models Course from Stir To Action and Co-op Culture
Expand your knowledge to include less common and innovative approaches to business and governance. When it comes to setting up a new organisation, or supporting others to do so, all legal frameworks, whether private, mutualistic, or charitable, are a response to some simple questions: Who should own it? Who should benefit from its value? And […]
New National Survey Highlights Urgent Need and Optimistic Future for Britain’s Social Clubs
Co-op and Community Finance is proud to work with The Centre for Democratic Business on understanding the role and future of Britain’s Social Clubs, and helping to support the path to revival for these vital community spaces. We are pleased to share the findings of their survey, below, and support the call for targeted […]
FREE webinar: Energy Resilience Fund: Thursday January 30th
Register now for the Energy Resilience Fund Webinar, online this Thursday 30th January from 130-230pm. The new Energy Resilience fund provides a blend of 40% grant, 60% loan designed to help charities and social enterprises improve their energy efficiency and remain resilient into the future. Come along to find out more about the fund, what […]
Apply now to UK Wide Supporting Rural Communities grant programme
The Royal Countryside Fund’s Supporting Rural Communities grant programme is now open to expressions of interest from until the 21st February. The Fund believes that transformative, community-led initiatives across the UK, are ‘unlocking the huge potential for positive change in rural communities’. They want to support these locally rooted organisations to deliver innovative projects and […]
2025: The International Year of Co-operatives
For us here in the UK, the second International Year of Co-operatives could not come at a better time. As has been widely reported, the Labour Government has committed to doubling the size of the co-operative and mutual sector. The work has already started, with the movement uniting behind the pledge and mobilising to support […]
Join us at Future Co-ops 2025!
We are so proud to be sponsoring and attending next year’s Future Co-ops conference in Lichfield on 31st January – 1st February. The government has announced an ambitious target to double the size of the co-operative sector. Given this commitment, and at the start of the International Year of Co-operatives, the Future Co-ops 2025 conference […]
Funds secured for sustainable living housing co-op in rural North Wales
A housing co-op and its residents have obtained a refinance and property improvements loan package for their remote co-operative living space set in the beautiful Powys countryside. Established in 1985, Undergrowth Housing Co-operative Limited (UHC) was set up by local residents wanting to turn an unused property into shared co-operative housing focused on sustainable rural […]
Aged 10-25 and at the forefront of change? Apply by the 11th December for The Young Gamechangers Fund
Our friends over at The Co-op Foundation are committed to driving real social change and are backing a truly exciting opportunity – The Young Gamechangers Fund. Developed by young people, the Young Gamechangers Fund is funded by the Co-op Foundation, in partnership with Co-op and the #iwill Fund; and is delivered by the Global Fund […]
Three loans and Thriving – here’s how we’ve worked with Brightwayz to help them grow
At Co-op and Community Finance, we provide sympathetic loan finance to help people take control of their economic lives and create social benefit. Many of our borrowers work with us time and again, and we’re pleased to be part of their extended teams. Today we speak to Alison Holland, Founder of Brightwayz, to discuss the […]
Understanding Co-ops: Scottish workshop series exploring how businesses can thrive as a co-operative
Are you thinking of starting a business in Scotland? Or looking for a different approach to your existing business or community venture? Do you want it to be fair, inclusive, democratic and empowering for everyone involved? Then sign up for an Understanding Co-ops workshop to discover the purpose and benefits of co-operatives and see if […]
Book now for the Democratic Business Summit 2024!
How do we double the size of the co-operative economy? Explore this and more at the Democratic Business Summit 2024 on 3 December in Cardiff! Tickets are on sale for this year’s Democratic Business Summit – a one-day event to advance democracy across the UK business economy. Building on the success of last year’s event, […]