Social Economy Drive 2023 – Growing The Social Economy in Coventry & Warwickshire

For a decade now, the much-anticipated annual event showcasing the social enterprise sector has been Birmingham focused. This year was different with a change of title to West Midlands Social Economy Drive – a celebration of all things social economy, supported by Power To Change and held across the seven West Midlands Combined Authority areas, including Coventry.

This year’s Social Economy Drive was a week-long programme of varied events, bringing together key stakeholders, Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise organisations (VCSE), commissioners, public and private sector and entrepreneurs all that are passionate about ‘growing the regional social economy.’

Strategic Lead for Social Economy Growth at West Midlands Combined Authority, Charles Rapson, says, “Community-owned, social and environmental purpose-led businesses, charities, cooperatives, social enterprises and other non-for-profit organisations are important players in ensuring growth is beyond economic and thereby includes all members of our communities. These organisations support disadvantaged people and the West Midlands Combined Authority is committed to inclusive growth.”

Coventry & Warwickshire Co-operative Development Agency (CWCDA), a leading organisation for the VCSE sector in Coventry & Warwickshire, were hosts of two very successful events in the programme. Both bought together expert speakers and delegates to inspire, inform, make connections and enjoy meeting representatives showcasing their products and services in the exhibition marketplace.

Mandy Bygrave, Chief Executive Officer for Coventry & Warwickshire CDA, welcomed David Ayton-Hill, Director of Economy & Place at Warwickshire County Council, to open the Warwickshire event at Dormer Conference Centre on Monday. And the Lord Mayor, Councillor Birdi and the Lady Mayoress, opened the Coventry event at The Belgrade Theatre on Wednesday. Both great supporters of the local social economy in the region.

Delegates, speakers and exhibitors were enthused by the quality of information being shared, the valuable new contacts that were made and thanked the team at Coventry & Warwickshire Co-operative Development Agency (CWCDA) for organising such a positive event.

Take a look at the slides from the Coventry event

This week long programme is only a small part of the ongoing support available to the VCSE community by CWCDA and by collaborating with complimentary agencies such as Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) and Community And Voluntary Action (CAVA), there are a variety of support options. The newly launched Access Programme, funded by Access – The Foundation for Social Investment and working in collaboration with the Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust, provides grants and loans to organisations that are deep rooted in supporting those affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

For more information about the support available for the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise sector in Coventry and Warwickshire, contact us.