Grow
In partnership with
I’m growing or need some help
Get support to grow and develop your ‘business for good’ or to 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. Find out more and apply for the BfGWY Growth & Resilience Learning Programme – a FREE learning and development initiative designed to support social enterprises, co-operatives, and community businesses across West Yorkshire. Delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), this programme helps leaders strengthen their organisations, explore new opportunities, and build financial resilience.
Photo Our Creative Connection Ltd
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
Find out about the Growth and Resilience Programme
Business for Good West Yorkshire Growth & Resilience Programme – Empowering Alternative Businesses in West Yorkshire
The Business for Good West Yorkshire Growth & Resilience Programme is a FREE learning and development initiative designed to support social enterprises, co-operatives, and community businesses across West Yorkshire. Delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), this programme helps leaders strengthen their organisations, explore new opportunities, and build financial resilience.
What you will gain
The programme provides practical, action-based learning to help alternative businesses grow, adapt, and thrive. Participants will benefit from:
✅ Strategic Growth & Leadership Development
Refine your organisational strategy, governance, and team-building approaches to promote a values-driven culture.
✅ New Market & Growth Opportunities
Identify and engage with new customer bases, funding streams, and business models.
✅ Technology & Business Efficiency
Discover innovative tools and strategies to improve operations and competitiveness.
✅ Financial Resilience & Leadership Skills
Strengthen financial planning, diversify income, and develop leadership capabilities.
✅ Peer Learning & Networking
Connect with like-minded businesses and build a supportive network for shared learning and collaboration.
Photo Umbrella Yoga CIC
Programme Details
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to 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. Sessions run online from September 2025 – March (final session will be in person).
How To Apply
Read the application guidance notes.
Apply by 12pm on 30th June 2025 using the online form here: https://the-sse.tfaforms.net/208
To help you prepare your application, you can download a copy of the application questions here. Please note that this is for preparation purposes only—you will still need to submit your application through the online form.
Want to know more
Register for our online information session on Wednesday 21st May at 10am – https://zoom.us/meeting/register/4dMyd67iSaGQjm51IAnCCA
Latest News
Call for Marketing Support: Help Promote Business for Good West Yorkshire 2025/6
BfGWY 2025/6 - TSL Kirklees, on behalf of the partners involved in Business for Good, West Yorkshire programme, is looking for an individual/organisation to provide marketing support to the project from May 2025 to 31st March 2026. Our marketing aims are to Raise...
BfGWY 2025/6 – Evaluator needed for our extended programme
TSL Kirklees, on behalf of the partners involved in the Business for Good, West Yorkshire (BfGWY) programme, is looking for an individual/organisation to support further evaluation activity of this pilot programme. We are keen to understand the wider impacts of the...
Supporting Alternative Businesses to Thrive!
The Growth & Resilience Programme—a cornerstone of Business for Good West Yorkshire—has helped co-operatives, social enterprises, and community businesses build confidence, strengthen resilience, and connect with others. Running from May to October 2024, this...