Rugby MP Mark Pawsey is urging local entrepreneurs to apply to for Lloyds Bank & Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs initiative and have the chance to bring their ideas to life.
Applications are open until Thursday 3rd April and Mark is hoping many Rugby entrepreneurs will apply. Launched in April last year the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme with the School for Social Entrepreneurs provides both financial support (grants between £4,000 - £15,000) and access to a comprehensive learning programme including a business mentoring scheme.
Over the next five years the programme, which is also supported by The Big Lottery Fund, will support around 1,300 social entrepreneurs to Start and Scale innovative social organisations:
• Start up: For those at an early stage in the development of their project or organisation, the Start Up programme support students 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.
• Scale up: For those who have an established organisation and are looking to take it to the next level, the Scale Up programme will equip them with the tools to develop it further and maximise its social impact. Each 'Scale Up' participant will receive a grant of £15,000 to support their learning and the development of their project.
Mark said:
“This is a great initiative and I know that in Rugby we have a very deep pool of entrepreneurial talent so I am hoping people will apply.”
“There is significant funding and support available through the scheme and it really does offer the opportunity for budding local entrepreneurs to bring their ideas come to life. By starting a social enterprise you can provide a new opportunity not only for yourself but for your local community and I would urge people to apply.”
Students from the Programme have so far developed a wide range of exciting enterprises that have brought substantial benefits to their own communities and much further afield. Prospective social entrepreneurs need to apply online at http://www.the-sse.org by 3rd April.