Proper Good

The Proper Good programme, previously known as the Local Access Partnership, 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.

Individuals on the programme may also apply for social investment to grow their businesses and scale their impact.

Hosted by GMCVO and delivered by local partners, the programme covers Bolton, Oldham, Wigan and Stockport. Local delivery partners will work you to develop your network and know-how, while the GMCVO social investment team will support you on your social investment journey.

To apply, please complete this Enquiry form and GMCVO will be in contact to discuss.

Proper Good investment overview

Do you have a great idea for a business with social impact, or want to grow what you’re doing or expand in a new direction?
Do you have a building that needs renovating or refurbishing, or do you have plans to purchase or build something?

As part of the Proper Good support programme, GMCVO are offering affordable and accessible social investment for social enterprises, community businesses and trading charities that create social impact in Bolton, Oldham, Stockport and Wigan.

Proper Good Investment offers three strands of funding, depending on your needs:

early stage Loan

Building Loan

This investment can be used for any costs to your business to support you to get through the early stages of business set up or initial business growth.

This investment can be used to purchase a building. We are happy to invest the full amount or partner with another lender. You can also use this investment to renovate or refurbish a building you already own.

Fund details:

You can apply for a loan of up to £30,000

Repayable over 1-3 years
3-month option of no payments at the start of the investment
No penalty for early repayments
No security taken

Fund details:

You can apply for up to £350,000 of blended finance (90% loan and 10% grant)

Repayable over 1-7 years
6-month interest only period
No fee
No penalty for early repayments
No security taken

Can I join the programme?

You can join the programme if you have a proper good idea or business that aims to make a positive difference to society, no matter what stage of the journey you are on - from start-up to scale-up.

How do I find out more?

Get in contact with your local lead, Alex Winstanley at a.winstanley@wlcommunity.org.uk .

To find out more about social investment, visit the Proper Good Investment web page.

Are you someone or have you identified someone who might benefit from becoming involved with WLCC or any of our initiatives such as Made in Wigan?

There are various ways that you can get in touch to take things forward.

It may be that you want to make contact to first find out if there really is a ‘fit’.

You may want to speak on the phone, come and visit us on behalf of someone, or maybe you’d like to bring someone along for an initial chat.

Whichever route you prefer we can accommodate.

First things first though, share some brief details and we’ll be back in touch!