Wonky Community CIC has a particular emphasis on supporting small businesses and the local communities of Sunderland and the surrounding areas, with a focus on creativity, collaboration and cultural wellbeing. Wonky Community CIC opened for business in October 2024. Overall, the activities undertaken during the year directly supported the CIC's community interest objectives by providing affordable, accessible and inclusive spaces where people could connect, collaborate, conduct business, develop creative skills and participate in wellbeing activities. The hub fostered community cohesion, supported the growth of local enterprises and empowered people to access the resources and opportunities needed to be creative, improve wellbeing and contribute positively to their local community. During the 2024–2025 financial year, the company's activities benefited the community in the following ways: Supporting local enterprise and collaboration - 28 small business owners used the space to connect, collaborate and work alongside one another, reducing isolation and encouraging partnerships that benefited the wider community. - 10 small business owners delivered creative workshops from the premises, providing accessible opportunities for local people to learn new skills, improve wellbeing and connect with others. - 4 small businesses operated from the space on a longer-term basis, providing them with an affordable, supportive environment in which to grow their businesses. - The support, collaboration and confidence gained through the hub directly inspired 2 business owners to establish their own independent premises. Increasing access to affordable creative resources - Small business owners and members of the community were able to purchase preloved creative materials at affordable prices, helping reduce financial barriers to creativity while promoting sustainability and reducing waste. This activity generated an estimated £794.65 of community value through the recirculation of creative resources. Creating volunteering opportunities - The workspace provided part-time volunteering opportunities for two local residents, enabling them to develop skills, confidence and experience within a supportive community environment. Improving community wellbeing - More than 100 members of the local community accessed inclusive creative and wellbeing activities, helping to reduce social isolation, encourage community connection and improve individual wellbeing.

The company stakeholders are local residents of Sunderland and the surrounding areas including those who run small, creative businesses. The directors of the company have lived within the Sunderland and surrounding areas for a number of years and development of the business model arose through their own experience of running a small business and feeling isolated as well as experience of talking to other small business owners and residents. At an open event, prior to the formation of the CIC, visitors were asked to fill in a questionnaire about what would be of benefit to them / their small business. This assisted in developing a profile of need and what would effectively support the local area. Research identified small pockets of people within the community who identified feelings of isolation following the COVID pandemic. Particularly those who had set up a small business just prior or immediately following this event. 90% of those who attended the open event have since utilised the space, with additional members of the community visiting in the following months. The hub has a suggestions box, which visitors are frequently encouraged to utilise to help further our research around need and impact.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration