One-year programme for UK social entrepreneurs

The School for Social Entrepreneurs is  offering a fully funded year of learning and a financial grant of either £4,000 or £15,000 to support projects looking to improve local communities. The programme, called the Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme, has been funded by Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland, with additional funding from the Big Lottery Fund and a number of local organizations. Applications close on the 3rd of April. 

The programme is split into Start Up and Scale Up programmes: Start Up will get new projects or ideas started and  Scale Up will help grow an established social enterprise. During the programme, participants will develop as leaders and obtain the skills needed to take their organizations to the next stage.

Both programmes offer: Fully funded 14 day learning programme, Grant (either £4,000 or £15,000), Mentor from Lloyds Bank/ Bank of Scotland.

The Start Up programme will support entrepreneurs at an early stage in the development of their project or organization. It will support them in personal development and basic business skills development to help turn their project or project idea into a reality. Each 'Start Up' participant will receive a grant of £4,000 to support their learning and the development of their project. During the course, the following issues will be covered: Setting up a Social Enterprise, Strategy, People and Money, Marketing, Leadership, Presentation Skills, Social Impact.

The Scale Up programme, designed for who has an established organization and is looking to take it to the next level,  will equip entrepreneurs with the tools to develop it further and maximize its social impact.  Each 'Scale Up' participant will receive a grant of £15,000 to support their learning and the development of their project. Organizations applying for Scale Up should be at least 1 year old and have a turnover greater than £25,000. The course will cover: Strategies for growth and sustainability, Partnerships, Staff development, Leading in a changing environment, Trading, Impact and Evaluation, Funding and investment for growth.