A TEESDALE community centre will take part in a new initiative that will see cash awarded if it can increase its profits.
Rachel Tweddle, the boss of TCR Hub, in Barnard Castle, has won a place on the Community Business Trade Up programme.
It will mean The Hub will be one of the first organisations to receive a “match trading” grant which could be worth up to £10,000.
There is a maximum of £2,000 up for grabs each quarter if the centre can increase its profits. Ms Tweddle is one of 100 leaders across England to have been selected to take part in the Community Business Trade Up programme, which is run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, andwas set up in 1997 by Michael Young, the man who created Open University.
The six-month scheme supports people improving their communities through trade.
It will help Ms Tweddle as she aims to expand the TCR Hub, in Shaw Bank, which delivers activities and services to about 500 people per week.
Ms Tweddle said: “I am delighted to have been accepted onto the Community Business Trade Up Programme.
“The programme and match trading grant will help me grow the TCR Hub so we can support more people in Teesdale in 2018.”
Match trading was created by the School for Social Entrepreneurs with the support of partners including the Big Lottery Fund.
The aim is to encourage social entrepreneurs to find ways to earn more money which can be used to help more even people.
By rewarding sales growth, match trading helps social entrepreneurs and community business leaders operating in challenging markets to develop their ventures.
Sue Osborne, director of the School for Social Entrepreneurs Yorkshire and Humber, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rachel onto the programme where she’ll learn alongside other community leaders how to create lasting social impact for the region.
“We are confident Rachel has the entrepreneurial qualities and motivation to increase their impact on Teesdale even further which is why we have awarded her a highly-coveted place.”
