Over the past few months some of Manchester’s most exciting social entrepreneurs have benefited from a unique mentoring scheme hosted by Manchester Libraries’ Business and Intellectual Property Centre working in partnership with Expert Impact.
The Human Lending Library connects entrepreneurs demonstrating high social and environmental impact with leading experts drawn from all strands of business and industry. Mentoring sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual, covering topics such as business growth, new markets, human resources, governance as well as adapting to the current financial environment.
Recent alumni of the Human Library Lending scheme include Melvyn Morrison, Director of BME Promise, a recruitment agency focussed on upskilling and training candidates from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. Corin Bell, Director of Open Kitchen MCR, a waste food social enterprise that has been providing thousands of meals as part of Manchester’s COVID relief effort. Ben Andrews, CEO of Beyond Empower, a social enterprise working to support disabled people across Greater Manchester to lead more active lifestyles.
Melvyn commented on his session: “I definitely recommend the mentoring scheme. My mentor was a great match, and we had a productive conversation that led to business leads. My mentor offered further support, and I believe that opportunities like this should not be missed.”
The mentoring scheme focuses on social enterprises with an established business model that is ready-to-scale. The Business and Intellectual Property Centre provides a wide range of other resources and events for early-stage businesses and social enterprises.
If you are interested in the Human Lending Library, you can apply directly on the Expert Impact website, or get in touch with Mika mika.upton@manchester.gov.uk.