Grow’s Crowdfunder
At the beginning of 2024, our 10th anniversary, we found ourselves at a pivotal juncture. While we wanted to celebrate a decade of memories shared with partners and patrons, we also had confront a sobering reality: without immediate investment in our long-term sustainability, we may not survive our 10th year.
From its inception, GROW has always been more than just a venue; it's been an experiment—a testament to ethical and sustainable business practices. We've channelled resources back into the community, championing local artists, musicians, and enterprises.
Our commitment to eco-electricity and fair wages has been unwavering, fueled by a desire to challenge the status quo and effect tangible change. Yet, like with so many of the UK’s grassroots venues, the road hasn't been without its challenges. Skyrocketing rents, exacerbated by the gentrification in the area, threatened our existence.
The pandemic dealt another blow. But through it all, we persevered, hosting live music both on-site and online, determined to keep the music playing. In 2023 and 2024, we faced further challenges from rising energy and supply costs.
We reached a point that we felt we had no option but to explore new ways to raise vital funds to pay for actions that could help us implement ways to become more financially sustainable — so this is why we asked for help by launching a crowdfunder.
Our plan is ambitious yet essential: to invest in solar power, fortify our infrastructure, and transition to a Community Interest Company (CIC).
We reached just over £10,000! And we thank you for all your support. The funds we raised, we were able to:
Extend our Licensed Hours: Your contributions covered the legal and administrative fees needed to secure a longer terrace licence, allowing Grow to stay open until 3 AM when needed.
Install more All-Weather Awning: Thanks to you, our terrace is now equipped with a new awning, making it a year-round space, rain or shine.
Progress to CIC Status: Your support is helping some of the administrative and legal fees to date, helping us start the transition into a Community Interest Company (CIC).
Pay for some of the surveys and preparatory work to enable us install solar panels. [The cost of the panels and the installation was funded by CIL funding] Pushing us closer to becoming one of the first grassroots solar-powered venues!
We Still Need Your Help!
Though we’ve made vital progress, we’re not out of the woods. Like many grassroots venues across the UK, rising costs continue to pose challenges, and every bit of support—whether it’s donating to the crowdfunder (which can still accept donations), attending events, hosting gatherings here, sharing our story or giving us a great online review, really helps.
Now more than ever, by choosing Grow, you’re supporting an ethical, community-led venue that values sustainability, art, culture, and people!