Participants of two cooperative training programmes were celebrated at an awards ceremony held at The Harris.
The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Sue Whittam, presented certificates to those who had completed the Preston Cooperative Development Network (PCDN) programmes, CoLab and Lady Boss.
Friends and family joined participants at the event last Thursday (20 November) in the reading room of the newly-refurbished Harris.
Both training programmes aim to support local people in starting their own cooperative enterprises.
CoLab: Creative Enterprise for Artists
CoLab: Creative Enterprise for Artists was designed and coordinated by Jonny Cosmo, local artist, writer, activist, community business advisor and founder of Pressed Town.
Jonny said: “In my experience of working within the sector, many arts, culture and community activities are funded, but that funding runs out. This programme was designed to help artists start their own businesses – to sustainably create, focus on their own practice, access funding for projects and make a viable living.”
Sessions were held at venues across Preston including SHOP and the University of Lancashire student enterprise zone, and there was an inspiring trip to Northlight Art Studios in Hebden Bridge.
“In larger cities, artist cooperatives are integral to the cultural offering – putting on community gatherings, innovating events and activities, and demonstrating that the arts are a viable career path.” said Jonny.
“CoLab is now aiming to set up a cooperative creative hub in a Preston building where creativity, culture and community can come together under one roof.”
Experts on creative industries, funding, business models and cooperatives contributed to the programme. Jonny said: “A special thanks goes out to John Atherton, Oihane Amurrio, Mark Ashmore and Joseph Buglass for speaking during the course.”
Read more: Preston author launching new book with post-punk party at The Ferret
Lady Boss: Structured Catering Enterprise Training
Lady Boss: Structured Catering Enterprise Training was designed and led by Aysha Patel, founder of Kind Communities CIC and Community Business Advisor.
Aysha said: “While working with women in marginalised communities, I realised that they had transferable skills that could be used to start their own business.
“Lady Boss has now run with two cohorts creating a cooperative catering business with a delicious and expansive menu. The Lady Boss team catered the event last Thursday and the food was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.”
Following this success, the next Lady Boss development will focus on applying entrepreneurship to language and interpretation skills.
PCDN in the Community
The programmes were made possible via PCDN through UK Shared Prosperity Fund, secured by Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council from the national Government. The purpose behind the funding is to create more sustainable local economies, and PCDN is continuing to work on developing Preston communities through cooperation and entrepreneurship.
PCDN’s latest initiative is PCDN in the Community – free business advice drop-in sessions held on Tuesdays at Catherine Beckett Community Centre in Deepdale Road. To book a session, complete the online form.
To more information, visit the PCDN Linktree and the Lady Boss Linktree.
Subscribe: Get the latest headlines direct from Blog Preston – join our WhatsApp channel and sign up for our twice-a-week email newsletter.
Support local culture: Become a member for just £6 a month, or £60 a year, to help us champion Preston’s arts, culture, and events – and enjoy an ad-free experience while you’re at it.
More: Discover what’s on in Preston
More: Explore our event listings and plan your next outing
More: Read the latest Preston news and headlines
