Ed Lamb, Director of Rethink Now CIC a Wirral based community interest company, is one of 71 leaders across England selected for a competitive learning programme and grant of up to £10,000.

The Community Business Trade Up Programme is run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, in partnership with Power to Change. The programme supports people working to improving their local communities through trade.

The programme will help Rethink Now founder Ed, and fellow Director,Tanya Leary to grow Rethink Now CIC, which focuses on reducing short journey car commutes and strengthening communities, both of which have been brought into sharp relief of late.

Ed Lamb began his nine-month learning programme at the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) in May via Zoom calls and distance learning and is already feeling the benefits of the support. SSE helps people develop the skills, strengths and networks they need to tackle society’s biggest problems.

Ed says: “I am delighted to have been accepted onto this brilliant programme and I feel like now this is more important than ever. At Rethink Now we are totally committed to supporting people on Wirral and having the chance to flesh out our plans and develop the necessary skills and networks to do some really meaningful work is really important to us. The Community Business Trade Up Programme and the grant is a key element of our next steps.

Amber Sorrell, programme manager at the School for Social Entrepreneurs, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Ed onto the programme, where he will learn alongside other community leaders how to create lasting social impact for the region. We are confident Ed has the entrepreneurial qualities and motivation to increase theimpact Rethink Now can have on Wirral and beyond, which is why we have awarded them a highly-coveted place.”.

Find out more about the programme and register your interest for the 2020/21 programme at https://www.the-sse.org/courses/community-business/