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Walsall enterprise supporting communities with digital skills receives £4,000 funding boost

A Walsall community interest company which supports underrepresented members of the community has received a £4,000 funding boost from Walsall Business Support to facilitate growth.

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Make More provide tech and digital, social support, educational opportunities and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) resources for under represented communities across the Black Country and West Midlands. 

From left, Make More director Simeon Douglas, head of community engagement Simone Stone, accounting administrator Nashai Watkis and Walsall Business Support's Gill Durkin
From left, Make More director Simeon Douglas, head of community engagement Simone Stone, accounting administrator Nashai Watkis and Walsall Business Support's Gill Durkin

Due to the rapid growth of the business, Make More moved from their original site in Townend House to the Walsall Hub in December 2024 and used the funding from Walsall Business Support to purchase desks, chairs, storage and equipment to create an inclusive, welcoming and comfortable space for the team and community users.

The £4,000 investment also enabled Make More to upgrade their CRM system and phonelines so that they can assist more community users as the business grows. 

Make More has supported almost 2,000 people with free digital support, skills training and STEM learning experiences for school students.

Formed by leading local business figures to distribute funds collected from the legacy of Walsall Chamber of Commerce, Walsall Business Support provides grants to applicants who want funding for projects to enhance business life in the borough.

Make More strategic director Simeon Douglas said: “We are extremely grateful to Walsall Business Support for their kind donation.“The funding has supported our growth at the new site and provided the team andcommunity users with an inviting space to support their needs.

“The extra desks and seating have meant we could invite two work experience studentsrecently and we hope to provide more of those experiences.“Looking to the future, we want to expand our services to reach 18–25-year-olds as well asoffer an online service for those with limited mobility.”

Walsall Business Support board member Gill Durkin said: “Make More are a fantasticexample of a business making a positive impact in the community.“We are delighted we were able to support them with funding and look forward to seeingthem grow and expand their services.”Walsall Business Support provide grants and a free training needs analysis to businesseslooking to generate growth, create employment or shape training opportunities for theborough of Walsall.Using an online form on the WBS website, bids can be submitted by businesses needinginvestment in a new project or a company wanting to improve skills.

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