Proper Good

About the programme

Have you got a proper good idea or business that aims to make a positive difference to society?
Do you want to develop or grow trading income as a way to sustain your social impact?
Do you need social investment and support to help you raise it?
Are you based in Bolton, Oldham Stockport or Wigan?

The Proper Good programme offers free-to-access business support, networking, training, investment-readiness support and social investment to help you establish and grow your social enterprise. The programme covers Bolton, Oldham, Wigan and Stockport.

A social enterprise is any organisation that has social purpose and trades. To grow and sustain themselves and their social impact, organisations can develop enterprising activity (like selling products or services, hiring out spaces or delivering commissioned work). Social investment (loans specifically designed for social enterprises) is a brilliant way for these organisations to kickstart or grow their enterprising journey, but they often need support to access suitable funds.
Traditional business support doesn’t always meet the needs of social enterprises, investment can be lacking as funders and investors don’t understand the social enterprise business model and social enterprises lack connection as business networks often don’t feel relevant. This programme aims to support the development of stronger, more resilient and sustainable social economies by connecting social enterprises with support and social investment that helps them thrive. We do this by offering tailored support and advice from experienced social entrepreneurs, business experts, social investors and partner agencies.
Local delivery partners will work with you to plan your trading income and investment journey, providing the specialist support you need along the way. When you are ready to apply for investment, our dedicated team will support you to complete your social investment application.
No matter where you are in the development of your enterprise, if you want to grow your trading income and social impact, our local delivery partners can work with you to develop your plans, network and know-how so you have the capability and confidence to attract investment that will help you realise your ambitions.
We offer a locality-based programme of events, workshops, training, business support mentoring and networking sessions tailored to your needs and led by entrepreneurs who know how to run proper businesses that do good in their communities.
When you are ready to apply for investment, our team will support you with your application as you progress on your social investment journey.
We have developed products to suit different stages of your growth; whether you are kickstarting trading income, growing your reach, are looking to purchase a building or want to refurbish a building you own or lease long term.
Find out more about the Proper Good investment offer on our dedicated investment page.

Proper Good Investment Fund

We’re pleased to share that the Proper Good Investment Fund is now open and available to support charities and social enterprises in Oldham. Proper Good is designed to help people and organisations in Oldham to:

Start a social enterprise
Grow an existing charity or community business
Access investment to scale their impact

Early-Stage Fund: Early stage in trading history, or early stages of developing trading products or services (for more established organisations). Up to £30,000 (£10,000 minimum size) available of blended finance (20% grant and 80% loan). Interest rate 4.5%. No upfront fee. Maximum loan term 60 months.

Buildings Fund: For organisations looking to buy or renovate buildings. Up to £200,000 (£10,000 minimum size) available of blended finance (20% grant and 80% loan). Interest rate 6%. 2% fee. Maximum loan term 120 months.

In Oldham, Upturn Enterprise Ltd is the lead local organisation supporting groups who want to access the Proper Good fund and prepare for social investment.

The fund is managed by The Key Fund, a national social investor with a strong track record of supporting community organisations across Greater Manchester.

How can Proper Good help Oldham organisations?

Through Proper Good, local social enterprises in Oldham can access:

Social investment to support growth
(including buying or refurbishing buildings)
One-to-one business advice and mentoring
Support to become investment-ready
Training and learning opportunities
Connections to useful networks, partners and opportunities
Guidance on funding and finance options at different stages

Support is practical, friendly and delivered by people who understand social enterprise.

Local support in Oldham

If you are based in Oldham, Upturn Enterprise Ltd is your first point of contact for Proper Good support.

Upturn works closely with The Key Fund to help Oldham organisations:

Develop strong ideas
Build confidence and skills
Access the right type of investment
Grow their impact in local communities

Who can apply?

Proper Good is open to:

Charities
Social enterprises
Community organisations
Individuals with strong social business ideas

There is a particular focus on disadvantaged communities, making this a great opportunity for Oldham-based groups.

How to find out more

Oldham contact (local support):

Muzahid Khan MBE DL
📧 muzahid.khan@upturn.org.uk

Fund manager contact:

📧 Cat.chrimes@thekeyfund.co.uk
🌐 Website: The Key Fund

In summary

The Proper Good Investment Fund offers finance, advice and local support to help Oldham social enterprises grow, become sustainable and make a real difference in their communities.

With Upturn Enterprise Ltd leading locally in Oldham, organisations can get the right help to take their next step towards investment and growth.