UnLtd finds, funds and supports social entrepreneurs - enterprising people with solutions that change our society for the better. We were formed in 2002 by seven organisations who believed that social entrepreneurs had a much bigger contribution to make to our economy and society. We were among the first to back individuals with their own ideas to create social good.
UnLtd’s core start up awards are funded by the income generated from an endowment from the Millennium Commission. This legacy is carefully invested so that it generates income to fund our awards for years to come.
Since we were founded, we have learned a lot about what is needed for social entrepreneurs to create the change they want to see. We have grown our support beyond our core awards, helping to accelerate the impact of scaling ventures. We have identified areas where we are well placed to create change, and focused our efforts where it can make the biggest difference. We have identified barriers faced by social entrepreneurs and look to tackle them through research, policy work and our campaigns. And we have realised that we cannot do it alone, seeking committed partners and funders who share our vision.
We’re very proud of the work we’ve done so far. We hope you’ll join us for the next stage of our journey.
Enterprising people with solutions are out there driving lasting social change. UnLtd’s funding and support helps them start up and scale their impact.
But we see a future where we can achieve so much more. Where people, communities and society aren’t just surviving, but thriving thanks to innovative, sustainable ideas designed with lived experience.
Social entrepreneurs have a big role to play in tackling some of the monumental challenges we face today. Challenges like a UK population ageing so fast, that by 2040 close to one in four of us will be aged 65 and over. Like the fact that disabled people are more than twice as likely to be out of work than non-disabled people. That homelessness rose by 169% in the UK between 2010 and 2018. And that public services are stretched and set to contract even further.
So that social entrepreneurs can achieve this potential, UnLtd campaigns to break down the barriers they face: such as finding customers, making a living, and getting access to finance. We set out to change the system so it works better for those who set out to change society. And we need to your help to do it.
We work with thousands of social entrepreneurs, people who are changing the lives of people across the UK.
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We believe that solutions to social problems reside within the people they affect.
To lead, to learn, to inspire
To innovate, to sustain, to scale
Access to the right capital at the right time.
Secure sustainable routes to market
Evidence impact to enable growth
Be known and understood
Advocacy and influence
Research and evaluation
Building relationships
Raise awareness of social entrepreneurs
Increased trade
Supportive policy and legal context
More investment capital for growth
Beneficiaries shape innovation
Social entrepreneurs feel valued and understood for the change they create.
A future where enterprising people are transforming our world for good.
We find social entrepreneurs with bold solution to today's challenges. Through funding and support, we help them to realise their potential
We find, fund and support social entrepreneurs to reach their potential
And act to break down barriers social entrepreneurs face to maximise their impact
We work with innovators to transform the system
And society joins in taking social entrepreneurs mainstream
We find social entrepreneurs with bold solutions to today’s challenges. Through funding and support, we help them to realise their potential and create lasting change.
A future where enterprising people are transforming our world for good.
Discover our work and how we're helping support social entrepreneurs.
We work to help social entrepreneurs tackle the issues that they...
We see a future where enterprising people are transforming our...
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We host a series of events throughout the UK each year. From classes and conferences, seminars and workshops to networking events and training sessions.
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