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GMCA funds 25 North West projects to boost local jobs

The fund supports projects to improve productivity, working conditions and resilience in sectors from social care, childcare, retail, leisure and hospitality.

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Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has given £275,000 to 25 businesses and organisations in the North West as part of its Foundational Economy Innovation Fund, with each getting up to £11,000 to try out new ideas. 

The aim is to help sectors people rely on every day, from social care and childcare to retail, leisure and hospitality.

The fund supports projects to improve productivity, working conditions and resilience in these sectors. 

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business, and Inclusive Growth, said: “Our groundbreaking Foundational Economy Innovation Fund is supporting the sectors that underpin our communities and provide the essential products and services we use every day. 

“We received lots of applications and we were really impressed by the ambition and creativity on show. 

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“The projects awarded funding are tackling the full range of challenges the foundational economy faces, and we look forward to seeing them turn their ideas into impact.”

So far, previous recipients have included businesses, social enterprises and voluntary groups. 

Participants reported more confidence and capacity to innovate, and said knowledge from the programme has been shared with staff, customers and service users.

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Yonder People CIC was given funding for a social care academy at HMP Styal, aiming to train low-risk female offenders for work in social care after release. 

Lucy Bailey, programme manager at Yonder People CIC, said: “We’re delighted that the GMCA funding will allow Yonder to launch a Social Care Academy with HMP Styal. 

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“It will give low-risk female offenders the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to build careers in social care after release. 

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“It means real opportunities and second chances for more women in the criminal justice system and helps to meet the growing demand for skilled, compassionate professionals in the social care sector.”

Bailey added: “It’s a win-win – for the women taking part in the Academy, our communities and the future of social care.”

Deepdale Technology, also awarded funding, is building an app to help independent venues in Greater Manchester promote themselves with instant, time-limited deals during quiet periods. 

Sam Howkins, director at Deepdale Technology, said: “We are creating a mobile app that connects people with Manchester’s independent hospitality, leisure, retail and cultural venues – creating a very real win-win situation for all. 

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“The app offers local businesses a smarter way to market themselves and instantly combat quiet periods of trade, helping to boost footfall and reduce wasted hours, space and stock. 

“While the end user can experience something new and maybe snap up a bargain or two in the process.”

Howkins added: “We are exceptionally grateful for the support from GMCA. The grant funding is imperative in getting us to a point of BETA testing and to the next step closer to being able to support Manchester’s hospitality, cultural and tourism sector when they need it the most.”

Other projects include a digital platform to coordinate volunteers for hospital visits, an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant to help people with disabilities fill in forms, workshops to build resilience in school children, and an app to support employment for people with learning disabilities. 

Funding has also gone to a community baking hub, a podcast and video studio for local businesses, a project making low-carbon baby food, and digital tools for dementia care.

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The full list of funded projects includes CARE+, Citizens Advice SORT Group, Coco Operative, Deepdale Technology, Egino Emerging, Empower Coaching and Performance, Health and Education Co-operative, Henshaws Society for the Blind, Hey Little Cupcake, Independent Choices Greater Manchester, Inspiring Communities Together and Leigh Works.

Also funded are Merseybank Garden Group, Persona Care and Support and Cabasa CIC, PossAbilities, SofraMCR CIC, Stitched Up, The Emotional Health Hub, The Fusilier Museum, Thriving.ai, Unlimited Potential, WETA Community Services, Wisterias Care Software, Wyncourt Nursing Home and Yonder.

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