We combine funding and support to grow your impact
Social entrepreneur
A social entrepreneur is the name we give to people who have started, or looking to start, a social business, someone who is driven by their passion to make a difference.
Social business
A social business is an organisation whose purpose is to create impact but has a financially sustainable business model to continue to make a difference. It sits in between a commercial business and a charity, often described as profit for purpose.
Funding
Funding comes with support unless specified otherwise.
Starting up
Social business is not established or been running under a year.
Up to
£5,000
Starting from
£500
Scaling up
Social business has been running over a year and under 4 years.
Up to
£15,000
Starting from
£5,000
Support
We are proud to offer 12 months of market-leading tailored support to help social entrepreneurs grow as social leaders. We will help increase your networks and offer the advice, guidance and operational support needed to increase your impact and build on the foundations of your social business.
Dedicated support manager
Someone to coach, mentor and support you to achieve your goals.
Expert mentors and pro bono support
Expert advice and mentoring through our generous community of business professionals, corporate partners and social entrepreneurs who volunteer their skills and expertise.
Workshops and learning
Through our regular workshops and support you will be able to learn about different aspects of running a social business.
Our focus areas
In addition to our Awards, we have two focus areas where we think social entrepreneurs can make a big difference. We have dedicated teams and specialist support available to social entrepreneurs with ideas to help people in these areas.
Over the next five years we want to improve the health and wellbeing of 135,000 marginalised older adults in the UK, and reduce health inequalities.
You have a business idea aimed at helping people into good jobs and meaningful employment, particularly those who are currently denied those opportunities.
How to apply for Awards
1
Submit your application
We recommend getting your application in early so that we have time to ensure we have everything we need to assess it.
Application dates
| Quarter | Accepted | Assessed | Decision w/c |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 - Mar 31 | Apr - Jun | Jun 27 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 - Jun 30 | Jul - Sep | Sep 26 |
| Q3 | Jul 1 - Sep 30 | Oct - Dec | Dec 12 |
| Q4 | Oct - Dec 31 | Jan - Mar | TBC |
2
Initial checks
Once received we will check your application meets our basic criteria.
All applications are also subject to our robust safeguarding policies .
3
Support manager assessment
If the application meets our basic criteria, our team will then review the application based on impact, inclusion and sustainability.
4
Peer review
Applications which show potential will be discussed alongside others at peer review to progress those with the most potential to meet our panel.
5
Panel stage
Here you will have the opportunity to discuss your application with a panel made up of staff and former awards winners.
6
Result
A recommendation is made to our Awards Committee (a group of our trustees which also includes social entrepreneurs) who make the final decision on your application. You will be informed of the outcome of your application.
Application resources
Eligibility
Social entrepreneur
ELIGIBLE
- Are 16+ years old.
- Living in the UK.
- The founder of the social business.
NOT ELIGIBLE
- Looking for funding for a one-off or short-term project where there is limited potential for a sustained and longer-term impact.
Social business
NOT ELIGIBLE
- Is predominantly focused on having an impact on people or places outside the UK.
- Legally established for over four years at the time of application (Companies House or Charity Commission registration).
- Had a turnover of over £250,000 in their last financial year.
- Political or involves religious campaigning.
- Involves activities outside of the law, against public policy or anything which encourages ethnic, religious or commercial disharmony.
Our partners and funders
The organisations which make Awards funding and support possible.
New Partner
Social Firms Wales
We have partnered with Social Firms Wales to launch Ecwiti, funding and support for social entrepreneurs in Wales funded by the Welsh Government.
Read more about this partnership
Equity, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to using our resources to drive change. At least 50% of our Awards will support social entrepreneurs who come from a disabled and/or Black, Asian or minority ethnic background.
Our equity commitments