Funding for social enterpreneurship

19 June

Do you have an idea that could make a difference to people’s lives, the local community, or the environment?

UnLtd and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) are working in partnership with Higher Education institutions in England to develop their expertise, skills, knowledge base and business support structures in social entrepreneurship and social enterprise activity.

The HE Social Entrepreneurship Awards programme is available to Sheffield Hallam staff, students and recent (2012) graduates, living in the UK. Awards can be granted to individuals or an informal group of up to three people.

Projects that may qualify include initiatives that:

  • benefit the public or a community in the UK
  • demonstrate a connection to the Higher Education Sector
  • need a HE Social Entrepreneurship Award to ensure their success
  • offer a learning opportunity for the applicant(s)
  • are an entrepreneurial solution to a social problem, or
  • instigate social impact or social change.

There are two levels of awards available:

Try It Awards: funding of up to £500 to try out ideas on a small scale, determine whether it is viable and learn more about what is needed to make it successful. The first steps in developing a project and the skills to run it.

Do It Awards: funding of up to £5,000 for individuals and groups (max 3) who can present a potentially viable idea with evidence of some confidence in it succeeding and having the skills to deliver it.

Applications are open from 1-5 July.

For further information about what a Social Enterprise is, and how to apply, please visit www.hallamunion.org/socialenterprise or contact Darren Chouings on
0114 225 3454 or d.chouings@shu.ac.uk.