Social enterprise support programme opens for applications

Applications are now open for next round of the Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme.

The programme offers people who want to use business as a way to make a positive difference to their community, or the environment, free support and funding up to £7,000.

More than 2,000 people have already benefitted from the scheme, which is run in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) and jointly funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the Scottish Government.

Now in its 10th year, it is the largest programme of its kind in the UK supporting people to start and grow innovative social-impact organisations.

One in five social entrepreneurs who have taken part in the programme are from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds (BAME), one in 10 have a disability and two-thirds are women.

SSE is keen to make sure this programme supports communities that face systemic barriers. They welcome applications from everyone with priority given to:

• those working in deprived areas
• people of colour and from minoritised ethnic backgrounds
• disabled people
• LGBTQ+ people
• and/or organisations supporting these groups.

No educational qualifications are needed to join this programme.

People who are in the early stages of starting up a social enterprise, charity or community project can apply to the Start Up level of the programme, which offers a grant of £1,000 as well as a support network, a mentor and a learning programme (14 days over a year) to help turn their ideas into reality.

Established social entrepreneurs can apply to the Trade Up and Scale Up levels. These offer a Trade Back grant of up to £4,000 or £7,000, a support network, a mentor and a learning programme (12-14 days over a year).  The focus is on growing their income from trading, increasing capacity, and developing leadership and business skills.

‘Changemakers need even greater resilience, skills and networks to survive and thrive in these challenging times,’ said SSE chief executive, Alastair Wilson.

‘We’ve listened to social entrepreneurs on our programmes and have adapted our learning content to meet the changing learning needs of social entrepreneurs dealing with the impact of Covid-19.  Our learning managers have also adapted the programme for online delivery.

‘Everyone is welcome at SSE and I’m thrilled that we’ll be supporting hundreds more people from all backgrounds – who are committed to improving the lives of people in need, tackling challenges in their local communities, or working on environmental issues. So, go on and apply! What have you got to lose?’

Photo Credit – Pixabay