Macc Grants

Macc E26: free support for social businesses in Manchester

Macc

E26 is free support for social businesses in Manchester. It is not a cash grant. Macc delivers it as part of a new Greater Manchester-wide programme funded by 10GM. The programme aims to boost the support available to social economy organisations and community businesses. The support helps organisations start up, grow, operate sustainably and increase their impact. Macc says the programme connects organisations with expert advice, practical support and new opportunities. These help you build your capacity and reach wider markets. It suits organisations that reinvest their profits to achieve social or environmental goals. Macc's description of the social economy includes community interest companies (CICs), cooperatives, charities, social enterprises and individual social entrepreneurs. These organisations strengthen communities, create inclusive employment, build local wealth and deliver sustainable services and products. Macc also convenes the Manchester Social Economy Alliance (MSEA), working in partnership with Flourish Together CIC. The Alliance hosts events that include free training, peer support and one-to-one mentoring. It works to give the social economy a voice in local policy and procurement. It also helps organisations collaborate and share knowledge, resources and opportunities. You can also join the Manchester Social Entrepreneurs meetups, which bring like-minded people together to discuss projects, ideas and opinions. The same Macc page lists free resources on setting up a social enterprise or CIC. It also points to business advice services and to routes into social investment and community shares. One practical point: this is support rather than money, so it will not pay your costs directly. If you want to connect with Manchester's social economy network, you can contact the MSEA team by email. Official source: https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/support-groups/resources-library/support-social-enterprises. Last checked by GrantMatch on 28 October 2026.