PROPER GOOD
Social Investment for Wigan & Leigh
Free business support, mentoring, training and access to social investment — helping social enterprises across Wigan start, grow and scale.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What Is Proper Good?
Proper Good is WLCC's boroughwide initiative to improve access to Social Investment across Wigan and Leigh. This next chapter enables vital support for Greater Manchester's social economy ecosystem of support, helping local organisations to be more sustainable via their trade.
The programme offers free-to-access business support, networking and training — led by entrepreneurs who know how to run proper businesses that do good in their communities. Participants may also apply for social investment to start, grow and scale their enterprise.
Hosted by Key Fund and delivered by local partners, the programme supports social enterprises and community businesses across Bolton, Oldham, Stockport and Wigan. Local delivery partners help you build your network and know-how, while the Key Fund social investment team supports your funding journey.
Key Fund is a social enterprise investing in community and social enterprises with a particular focus on disadvantaged areas. They have a long history of investing in Greater Manchester and will continue to work with funders and local partners to help the region’s social enterprises thrive.
WHAT YOU GET
A Tailored Package for Your Social Enterprise
Proper Good offers a complete package of support — from your first idea through to scaling your impact.
Business Support
Free, tailored business support and guidance from experienced social entrepreneurs who understand what it takes to build a business that does good.
Training & Workshops
Subsidised and free workshops covering everything from business planning and financial management to marketing and impact measurement.
Networking
Connect with a community of like-minded social entrepreneurs, local partners and anchor organisations across Wigan and the wider borough.
Social Investment
Apply for social investment loans to help start, grow or scale your enterprise — including funding to purchase or refurbish buildings and expand your impact.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Is Proper Good For?
Proper Good is open to social enterprises and social entrepreneurs based in or working in Wigan Borough. Whether you're just starting out with an idea, or you're an established organisation looking to grow — there's support available for you.
The programme is particularly focused on those creating a positive social or environmental impact in their local area.
Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs
Anyone with an idea for a business that creates social impact in Wigan and Leigh.
New Social Enterprises
Start-ups and early-stage organisations looking for support to get off the ground.
Established Organisations
Existing social enterprises looking to grow, scale or expand in a new direction.
Wigan-Based CICs & Charities
Community Interest Companies and charities based in or delivering impact across Wigan Borough.
INVESTMENT OVERVIEW
Funding Options Through Proper Good
As part of the Proper Good support programme, Key Fund offers affordable and accessible social investment for social enterprises, community businesses and trading charities creating social impact.
£200,000 blended finance (grant / loan)
£30,000 blended finance (grant / loan)
WLCC is also part of these platforms of Business support at GM and National level
GM Our Business Cooperative Platform
WLCC are proud supporters of the GM Our Business Cooperative Platform.
Visit ourbusinessgm.co.uk →Social Enterprise Places Programme
Supported by People's Postcode Lottery, this programme recognises hotspots of social enterprise activity and helps bring councils, businesses, charities and communities together to grow local social enterprise markets.
THE PODCAST
The Proper Good Podcast
The Proper Good podcast explores social investment, community business and the future of Wigan's social economy — featuring conversations with social entrepreneurs, funders and community leaders.
Ready to Apply for Proper Good Support?
Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale — Proper Good can help. Get in touch with the WLCC team to find out what support is available for your social enterprise in Wigan.
Want to find out more first? Contact David Baxter at d.baxter@wlcommunity.org.uk.
Get In Touch
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EXPLORE MORE
Also from WLCC
MADE IN WIGAN
Training Programmes
Skills and training for social entrepreneurs across Wigan Borough.
WLCC LIBRARY
Podcasts, Videos & Reports
All our Proper Good podcasts, community stories and video resources in one place.
