BizEd Projects CIC

BizEd started with Vicki as an online ebook social enterprise in 2021, passionate about breaking down barriers for employers to navigate the skills and employment system, including promoting green careers. The goal back then was to keep information unbiased, simple and relevant, so that they could make the right choices when deciding to train or recruit and to promote opportunities to recruit young people.

Trading as a social enterprise was also very important, in an effort to be less grant dependent and therefore more financially resilient to support our community delivery.

​

The ebooks were fun to design and write, but after about 6 months working from home, Vicki missed being around people and so started volunteering on the Shropshire Council digital skills programme alongside her work. She really enjoyed supporting the adults who came in but was surprised at the low levels of digital literacy and general awareness of climate and environmental issues.

Unfortunately the Civic in Whitchurch then closed and with it the library - meaning digital skills had to stop - or did it? With a bit of support, Vicki was convinced to continue offering digital skills support and set about setting up a space in Whitchurch opening International Womens Day 2023 and was joined by Carla shortly after for a few hours a week. Laura joined us later that year also part-time and is now a permanent member of the leadership team as co-director supporting business engagment and partnerships. 

 

In 2025, BizEd grew to an employed team of 3, thanks to the growth of the research and consultancy work we do, which in turn we then used to match-fund grants from National Lottery Community Fund to recruit our Community Manager, Annabel and develop a ground floor digital hub space. This is now kitted out with 7 refurbished pcs and used by a wide range of people. This has also allowed us to set up regular drop-ins, a youth tech club and offer many more 1:1 hours of support. 

​

In 2026, our work across community, education and business continues to evolve and respond to the changing needs of our community and customers. We hope to spend the next 12 months strengthening our commitment to embedding climate/nature and green skills knowledge, alongside digital and continuing to strengthen our pathways for young people - these are essential opportunities for our community and businesses for the future. 

​

Whilst we cannot be everything for everyone, we are doing our best to support and signpost in Whitchurch around youth, digital inclusion and poverty, unemployment support, business start-up, social enterprise and other business and community ventures. We hope that through collaboration with other like-minded people that this can only continue to grow and support the town and its residents. 

​