Laughing Buddha Bubble Incubator
The Laughing Buddha Bubble Incubator is an innovative and inclusive concept enabling people who have experienced mental distress to be introduced to the concept of enterprise as a potential route to social inclusion. Partnership WTP are delivering this enterprise project, as an addition to their support of new ventures, such as the Manchester Business School’s Incubator.
The pilot bubble incubator is based at "The Garage Project" at Mirfield Day Centre in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, with a later rollout. This project is being funded by the SBS "Phoenix Fund" as one of 12 projects to investigate an enterprise option for self-employment within the target group.
Our bubble offers a cocoon for individuals to test their business ideas and opportunities, that will be attuned to their own specific support needs. An idea with potential will be nurtured to allow its full development, giving the entrepreneur confidence and training for skills needed to develop not only their idea but also facets of their own life. It is envisaged that the most successful entrepreneurs will become financially self-sustainable. The development of the project delivery allows for active interaction and cross learning between Mental Health and Enterprise professionals.
As an enhancement we at the Laughing Buddha Bubble will extend the cocoon to the interactions with mainstream business to facilitate the bubble businesses to succeed and grow. This development will be used as a portal of confidence to allow incubated entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurial service users to offer their products and services to wider customer base.