Co-operative Fund project provides free co-operative development services for the South East

[view this release as a PDF]

25 March 2008

From March 2008, Co-operative Assistance Network is providing the “South East Region Co-operative Development Service” through a grant provided by the Co-operative Fund.

Thanks to the £12,500 grant, the project will provide a free service to existing, new start or start-up Co-operative enterprises in the South East unable to afford the assistance from their own resources.

The services available include:

CAN South East Regional Manager Chris Funnell said: "We are delighted to receive this funding. The mission statement of Co-operative Assistance Network is to assist the development of Co-operatives and other forms of social enterprises. This project enables us to deliver those services to those currently unable to afford them whilst simultaneously piloting a new delivery mechanism."

Angela Davies, Manager of the Co-operative Fund, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this valuable project which makes a difference to the local community and has co-operative values at its heart."

The project builds upon a model of service delivery developed during the previous five years by South East Co-operative Support (SECS) in delivering projects funded by the South East of England Development Agency and the European Social Fund. Organisations from across the sector, including Co-operatives UK, Co-operatives South East, SECS, Co-operative Development Bodies and Co-operatives themselves will provide referrals and assist with promotion. The aim is to develop a model of service delivery that can be sponsored, funded or bought into at any level or for any sub-region.

SECS and Co-operatives South East will use the project to demonstrate the capacity, expertise and continued commitment of the Co-operative movement and negotiate for further resources to be committed from other sources.

Co-operatives and groups starting a co-operative requiring support from the project should contact Nathan Brown at CAN: nathan@can.coop. Tel: 0845 3733616

The Co-operative Fund (www.co-operative.co.uk/en/fund/) is a grant making body. The aims of the Co-operative Fund are to, promote, support and develop co-operative solutions and co-operative enterprises. To expand the Co-operative Movement and to promote the co-operative advantage and demonstrate its relevance in the UK today. The Co-operative Fund is funded solely by the Co-operative Group and serves as the Co-operative Group’s primary co-operative development and support mechanism. The fund aims to award grants from £5,000 up to £200,000.

CAN's Press Officer is Chris Funnell: chris@can.coop telephone: 0845 3733616

If you are interested in engaging CAN to carry out a piece of work please refer to the contacts page for details of your nearest CAN Regional Manager.

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