Have you ever thought about running a support service or business for people who need extra help or support?
The Newham Micro-enterprise Project helps to develop support services within the health and social care market in Newham.
What is a micro-enterprise?
A micro-enterprise is a small independent business or not for profit organisation that provides products or services with up to five full-time equivalent workers.
Micro enterprises vary widely. They can be set up as a:
- Sole trader
- Partnership
- Small business
- Social enterprise
- Community interest company
- Not for profit organisation
- Charity or voluntary organisation.
What kinds of service does the Newham Micro-enterprise Project support?
There are two distinct areas of work of the project. The project can support you if you currently have or want to set up an enterprise that offers a service to older or disabled people. This could include supporting people to:
- Live independently at home
- Go shopping
- Become involved in work or education
- Take holidays and short breaks
- Take part in sport and leisure activities
- Have meals and go to lunch clubs
- Get around their community.
Who can start a micro-enterprise?
A micro-enterprise can be run by:
- Older and disabled people, their family, friends or carers
- Community groups
- Local residents with an idea to offer services to older or disabled people.
How can the project help me?
We can:
- Listen to your ideas and give you professional feedback
- Offer advice and practical information on regulation, training, insurance and direct you to other organisations that can help
- Support you to understand the law and any care regulations that might apply to what you plan to do
- Help you think about what you want to set up, by giving you information about what services people need.
The Newham Micro-enterprise Project supports providers who can offer personal, flexible and responsive support and care. It gives local people more choice and control over the support they receive and offers an alternative to more traditional services.
To find out more email Commissioning.Assistant@newham.gov.uk.
Note, the Micro-enterprise project's work with disabled entrepreneurs is now being carried out by the Supported Employment Team at Our Newham Work.
Contact Joseph Kunyeda, the Supported Employment Manager on 020 3373 1527 or email Joseph.Kunyeda@newham.gov.uk for more information.
Enterprises we have supported so far
We have supported a range of enterprises in the social care field including:
- Home Care Agencies
- Disability Arts Organisations
- Laughter workshops
- Supported gardening
Apply for a Micro-enterprise Project grant
Newham council will give grants to people who are starting up or developing micro-enterprises in the borough.
These grants are for between £500 to £2,000 and we will give them to:
- Local disabled entrepreneurs
- Entrepreneurs offering health and social care services to older or disabled people in Newham
Micro-enterprise Project Grant guidance notes (Word)
Micro-enterprise Project Grant application form (Word)
If you need help or advice to fill in your form, or if you need another format, email us at Commissioning.Assistant@newham.gov.uk.
Make sure you fill in all the parts of the form you need to. Once you have done this, send to us by email at Commissioning.Assistant@newham.gov.uk or by post to:
Micro-enterprise Project Grant
London Borough of Newham
Newham Dockside
1000 Dockside Road
London
E16 2QU