Grow
In partnership with
I’m growing or need some help
Get support to grow and develop your ‘business for good’ or help you tackle issues and challenges within your organisation by:
1. Choosing a specialist Enterprise Coach to work with and get tailored advice and support for you and your organisation
2. Our Growth and Resilience Programme – a free learning and development initiative designed to support leaders from social enterprises, co-operatives, and community businesses across West Yorkshire. Now closed to new applications for 2025-26.
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Choose a Specialist Enterprise Coach
We have 4 experienced specialist Enterprise Coaches working in different parts of West Yorkshire. They will work with you to explore your ideas or challenges, develop a plan and agree goals. They can also signpost you to other parts of the BfGWY programme or other specialist support organisations.
All of the coaches are employed by BfGWY partner, Participate Projects and are hosted by Participate, Voluntary Action Leeds and TSL Kirklees.
Katherine Wyatt
Calderdale and Kirklees
Usual working days: Tues, Wed, Thurs
Email: katherine@participateprojects.org.uk
Number: 07470746720
Rachel Rickards
Leeds
Usual working days: Tues, Wed and Thurs
Email: rachel@participateprojects.org.uk
Number: 07470746668
Paul Kilgallon
Wakefield
Growth and Resilience Programme
The Business for Good West Yorkshire Growth & Resilience Programme 2025–26 is delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs. It’s fully funded and designed to help leaders from social enterprises, co-ops and community businesses to strengthen their strategy, reach new markets and adopt the tools they need to thrive.
In 2024, 100% of participants gained new skills and confidence. They created jobs, explored new opportunities and supported over 23,000 people.
What’s included?
✅ Four online learning days + one in-person graduation
✅ Three facilitated Action Learning Sets
✅ A personalised learning plan and peer support
✅ Expert sessions on strategy, finance, markets, people, impact and tech
✅ Access to a supportive community and wider Business for Good network
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Programme Details
The programme is for alternative businesses in West Yorkshire (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield, and Leeds) that:
- Have been trading for at least 18 months with an annual income of £15,000+.
- Are legally structured as a co-operative, social enterprise, charity, or community business.
- Have a social or environmental purpose and/or operate democratically.
- Are looking to grow, innovate, or increase resilience.
- Are committed to maintaining or growing staff numbers.
Programme Format
The programme includes 8 learning sessions (5 expert led sessions and 3 Peer coaching sessions), and optional one-to-one business coaching.
Applications are closed for the 2025-26 Programme. Subscribe to our mailing list for updates about any future programmes and other opportunities for you.
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