UnLtd Awards for Social Entrepreneur and Social Venture in the UK

Focus Areas

• In addition to the Awards, they have two focus areas where they think social entrepreneurs can make a big difference. They have dedicated teams and specialist support available to social entrepreneurs with ideas to help people in these areas.
  • Healthy ageing: Over the next five years they want to improve the health and wellbeing of 135,000 marginalised older adults in the UK, and reduce health inequalities.
  • Access to employment: You have a business idea aimed at helping people into good jobs and meaningful employment, particularly those who are currently denied those opportunities.

Funding Information

• They combine funding and support to help you to get started or grow. Depending on your stage of development they can offer up to £18,000.
  • Starting up
    • You have an idea or have started to make a difference to people’s lives, your community, or have ambitions to create change at a national level.
    • Up to £8,000
  • Scaling up
    • You are already running a social venture that is making a positive difference and you have compelling evidence of your impact.
    • Up to £18,000

Support

• Accessing the support to become a social leader. Get advice, guidance and the expertise needed to build on the foundations of your social venture and grow your impact.
  • 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 the generous community of business professionals, corporate partners and social entrepreneurs who volunteer their skills and expertise.
  • Workshops and learning
    • Through the regular workshops and support you will be able to learn about different aspects of running a social venture.

Eligibility Criteria

• Social Entrepreneur
  • Are 16+ years old.
  • Living in the UK.
  • The founder of the social venture.
• Social Venture
  • Has the potential to be a financially sustainable social venture or real prospects to grow with the support.
  • Can demonstrate a clear need for your idea or social venture.
  • Is clearly driven by its social purpose.
  • Needs the financial and non-financial support to make it happen.

Ineligible

• Social Entrepreneur
  • Looking for funding for a one-off or short-term project where there is limited potential for a sustained and longer-term impact.
  • Requests for support which are predominately for the individual to undertake academic qualifications or overseas travel.
  • Individuals who plan to employ others to undertake most of the work on their behalf.
• Social Venture
  • Is predominantly focused on having an impact on people or places outside the UK.
  • Incorporated 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.
  • Involves political or religious campaigning.
  • Involves activities outside of the law, against public policy or anything which encourages ethnic, religious or commercial disharmony.
  • Social ventures whose focus is predominantly on raising awareness of social issues.

For more information, visit UnLtd.