IF you are thinking of setting up a community shop, cafe or business in your village or town then there is some potentially good news.

Applications are now open for the Community Business Trade Up Programme, run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs in partnership with Power to Change.

It means as a community project if you take up a business learning programme with the school you can apply for a grant of up to £10,000.

The idea is that while on the nine month course you will get peer support and a potential boost to trading activities and long-term sustainability for the business.

Community businesses make a difference to their local area creating employment, skills and providing amenities.

Alastair Wilson of the training school said they already support 80 community businesses in England. He said: "Community businesses strengthen local economies and enrich the fabric of society."