CoPop, a dynamic collective of 10 community enterprises, launches this Wednesday at Pop Brixton. All 10 individuals have been through the Tree Shepherd ‘Start Your Own Enterprise Programme’. The fledgling businesses pool their resources and help one another to develop their business. These range from clothing, new and vintage; hair and beauty; jewellery, floral and interior design, and print and design.
All these local residents were long-term unemployment, and have in common a love for fashion, design, beauty and interiors.
The cooperative is a ‘start-up’ business and currently has 10 members who will sell a range of products and services that are sourced and created by its members. CoPop says: “The product range is representative of the rich eclectic make up of Brixton and is inspired by the members’ broad cultural heritage which includes the Caribbean Islands, Ghana, Columbia, Guyana and the UK. Members are also all committed to sharing their cultural craft with the community through demonstrations, workshops and classes.”
Candidates are taken through an 8 week action learning programme. On graduation they are matched with business mentors and also become part of a dynamic peer support network – the Forest Enterprise Network. The graduates continue to access the Tree Shepherd business clinic, receiving advice and guidance at key stages as their businesses move through various stages of incubation and growth.
All the individuals in the newly formed cooperate are supported by Tree Shepherd.
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