Co-operative Futures helps keen composters launch community business.
BATCOM is a start-up community composting scheme for Brimscombe and Thrupp in Stroud, Gloucestershire, set up by three people keen to solve a local problem:
“In our area we have lots of people with gardens and allotments. But a lot of them live where the council collection lorries can’t access. So they have bonfires, compost themselves or drive their green waste to the local tip, 15 miles away,” said BATCOM co-founder Shelley Tester.
With help from Co-operative Futures through Business Support for Co-ops, the trio are realising their vision of creating a valuable community resource that lowers the local carbon footprint and brings people together.
“Jo’s help has been immensely valuable. We wouldn’t have got this far this quick if we’d been left to our own devices. So to have that person to guide us and help us through the process has just been brilliant.”
If you have a start-up business idea or you’d like to explore turning your community group into a co-operative, get in touch and we’ll talk you through your options.