Kao SEED Fund launches to support community projects across Stockport

Data centre developer and operator, Kao Data, has announced the launched of a new fund to support community projects in the borough ahead of the completion of its new industrial scale data centre in Reddish.

The Kao SEED Fund, which stands for Social Enterprise and Environment Development Fund, officially launches on November 21, in celebration of the UK’s Social Enterprise Day, and is aimed at fostering community growth and development in Stockport.

The Kao SEED Fund will provide small grants to a range of community groups, not-for-profit organisations and grassroots projects across Stockport. Packages of financial support, ranging from £500 to £2,500, will be available for pilot programmes or to boost existing community initiatives.

Working in partnership with Stockport’s forward-thinking charity infrastructure organisation, Sector 3, Kao Data launched the fund at Sector 3’s Social Enterprise Day celebration in the town. Sector 3 will also be coordinating the application process on behalf of Kao Data and supporting successful projects by administering the funding and coordinating mentoring support.

David Bloom, Founder and Chairman of Kao Data, said:

“At Kao Data, our commitment to being a good corporate citizen is woven deep into our DNA. The launch of the Kao SEED Fund in Stockport underscores our dedication to fostering sustainability, positive community action, and development projects that will support the local neighbourhood around what will be our newest data centre.

“As the founder of Kao Data, a serial entrepreneur, a community volunteer myself for over 25 years, and someone who takes great pride in ensuring we fulfil and surpass our corporate social responsibility mandate as a business, I’m excited to see what type of projects the Kao SEED Fund will help make possible.”

Jo McGrath, CEO at Sector 3, said:

“It’s inspiring to work alongside a partner like Kao Data who are committed to collaboration, sustainability and genuine community development. Their fund will help further empower Stockport’s already active community to bring forward even more innovative, entrepreneurial ideas that champion a cleaner, greener future.”

Earlier this year, Kao Data sponsored volunteer awards ceremony Stockport Rocks!, organised by Sector 3, in partnership with Marketing Stockport and Stockport County FC. The event inspired Kao Data’s Marketing Manager, Lizzy McDowell to think about more ways in which the company could continue to support the surrounding community. She explained,

“I was truly inspired by all of the nominees at the Stockport Rocks awards, which planted a seed in how we could support various good causes across the town. Being from the North West, I am well aware of significant funding challenges these initiatives face, especially for smaller amounts. This is why I am proud that Kao Data can provide access to small, flexible grants to empower and enable these projects.”

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, added:

“It’s great to see Kao Data’s commitment to Stockport extends beyond infrastructure, reaching into the heart of our communities through initiatives like the Kao SEED Fund. This fund will provide valuable support to local groups working to make a positive impact in Stockport. This aligns perfectly with our One Stockport, One Futurevision to create a thriving, inclusive borough where everyone can succeed.”

Submissions for the Kao SEED Fund will open via the Kao Data website from 21st November and will close on 12th February, 2025. Applications will then be considered by a select panel of judges and applicants will be notified before 31st March.

Photo: Lizzy McDowell, Marketing Manager at Kao Data, with Agnes Pimblett, the winner of the Climate Action Award at Sector 3’s volunteer awards, Stockport Rocks!