Crowdfunding: Bakerman Darlington launches fundraising

Bakerman, a not-for-profit artisan bakery in the town centre, has launched a new crowdfunding campaign to purchase a larger bread oven—an essential step in its mission to expand opportunities for disadvantaged young people across the community.

Bakerman Darlington (Image: BAKERMAN) Founded during the 2020 lockdown, Bakerman began as a small operation with a big heart.

With just one baker and a shop assistant, the enterprise has since flourished into a thriving local favourite, known for its organic sourdough, handmade cakes, and community spirit.

But behind every loaf is a deeper purpose.

Dan Booth, Bakerman’s co-founder and head baker (Image: BAKERMAN) Bakerman was established to create employment pathways for young adults facing significant challenges, ranging from exclusion and neurodivergence to poverty and poor mental health.

“This isn’t just about bread,” said Dan Booth, co-founder and head baker.

“It’s about rebuilding confidence, improving well-being, and helping young people who’ve faced exclusion, neurodivergence, poverty, or mental health challenges find their place again.

Bakerman Team during a Saturday shift, Left to right: Alex Grey, Baker; Henry Wardell, Bakery Assistant; Claire Stanwix, Baker & Dan Booth, Founder and Head Baker (Image: BAKERMAN) “A bakery is the perfect environment—calming, structured, and full of purpose.”

Now, with the recent acquisition of the premises next door to their current location, the team plans to relocate their shop, freeing up their original space to be transformed into a dedicated training and baking facility.

Some of the bread at Bakerman (Image: BAKERMAN) This will allow for expanded product offerings, increased baking capacity, and most importantly, more hands-on training placements for young people.

To make this vision a reality, Bakerman’s crowdfunding campaign seeks to raise enough money to purchase a larger, energy-efficient oven.

The new oven would triple the bakery’s output and open doors to new partnerships and revenue streams—all while deepening their social impact.

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“The new oven is a vital part of this next chapter,” said Mr Booth.

“It allows us to bake more, train more, and reach more people. Every loaf we sell will directly support our mission.”

Supporters of the campaign can make contributions through Bakerman’s Crowdfunder page, with rewards ranging from free loaves and bakery tours to the knowledge that they are helping to fund something truly transformative for the Darlington community.