Rewards for stepping up to The Challenge
Residents in North Liverpool and South Sefton have completed the first ever ‘Social Enterprise Challenge’, with five participants winning awards to help them develop their business idea.
The Challenge is funded by Stepclever, the regeneration initiative for North Liverpool and South Sefton, and Liverpool Vision, the city’s economic development company.
The initial 10 participants brought ideas as diverse as on-line interpreting for deaf people, refurbishing inner-city housing using traditional techniques and using popular films as a way to help people handle the emotions and behaviour that often lead them into crime or abuse.
The intensive training program was delivered by Pulse Regeneration who also provided three days free consultancy to one winner, while Liverpool Vision put up £5,000 in four cash prizes.
Jerry Spencer, Enterprise Manager at Liverpool Vision, said: “Our aim is to draw in people with good ideas for helping their communities and creating jobs into an intensive development programme that will really take them forward.
“We have been very encouraged by this first response and will develop these ideas further so that they can bring real and lasting benefit to the area and we hope that this initial success will create more momentum.”
The Social Enterprise Challenge will run again in March, with more cash awards to social entrepreneurs with good ideas.
In Round One, the ‘Best Overall Social Enterprise Idea’ winner was John Thompson of Young Persons Production, proposing film-making based on real-life experiences as a way of helping young people into more productive lives.
After receiving the prize, John said: “This challenge has been intense but very much worth it not least for the inspiration I have received and the enthusiasm I have encountered from everyone involved.
“I never thought I would win, especially in view of all the great people with terrific ideas I’ve met on the course and hopefully this will encourage others to have the courage of their convictions and see their ideas through.”
Development awards of £1000 also went to Susan Dodd of Heritage Homes, Lynn Anderton of Reel Retreats and Richard Stowe of NEET Solutions, working with young people to develop urban agriculture schemes and green the city.
Susan also won the Pulse Regeneration consultancy award while the remaining participants will be assisted to get advice and financial support from Stepclever and Liverpool Vision.
Chris Hart at Pulse Regeneration said: “This first round of The Challenge has been very successful.
“The ideas coming forward and enthusiasm shown by those attending has been truly inspirational and really infectious. We didn't hold back for one minute, everyone has had their boundaries pushed, and it has been an exhilarating journey for us all.
“I look forward to seeing how each one progresses with the help and support of our partners who will now take up the reins with more detailed one-to-one support.”
If you have a good idea that you would like to see developed please contact Ian Ogilvie at Pulse Regeneration, ian@pulseregeneration.co.uk or 0151 475 7000.
For more information or pictures, contact Jerry Spencer on 0151 600 2949 or jspencer@liverpoolvision.co.uk or Chris Hart on 475-7000 or chris@pulseregeneration.co.uk
Note to editors:
• Liverpool Vision is the city’s Economic Development Company which integrates economic and physical development and business and enterprise support designed to accelerate the city’s growth and build a sustainable economy.
• Stepclever aims to transform areas of north Liverpool and south Sefton into a place for new entrepreneurs and successful, outward looking businesses. Through Stepclever, residents and businesses can access a range of free services and support grants that will enable them to start up in business or grow their existing business. Visit www.stepclever.co.uk
• Pulse Regeneration specialises in social enterprise development and community based regeneration. Formed in 2001 the organisation has successfully provided advice and support to a wide range of clients across the UK and Europe. Clients include social enterprises, voluntary and community sector organisations, charities, public sector agencies, housing bodies and private businesses.
Contact name: Jerry Spencer
Contact email: jspencer@liverpoolvision.co.uk
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