Please note that funding has finished for the Social Enterprise Accelerator Programme and it has now closed. If you would like to register your details in case of future activity, please complete the enquiry form.
The Social Enterprise Accelerator Project
The Social Enterprise Accelerator project offers a comprehensive support package to help you develop new social enterprise ideas or grow your existing Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisation.
We provide free support to aspiring social entrepreneurs in Nottingham. Our experienced team will provide you with a range of support services encompassing specialised training, business diagnostics, organisational development, and access to funding.
We are particularly keen to support enterprises working in the following fields:
- health and social care
- retail and leisure
- those whose goals align with the Carbon Neutral Nottingham 2028 initiative
For more details, please complete the enquiry form or email vcseobservatory@ntu.ac.uk.
About the initiative
The Social Enterprise Accelerator project is a collaborative partnership between NTU's National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory and Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS). Funding comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
This project is funded by East Midlands Combined County Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Let us help you kickstart your social enterprise journey
If you have a budding idea for a social enterprise, our programme is here to nurture it. We provide an immersive environment where you can develop your concept with the help of experienced mentors, peer support, and collaboration with established social entrepreneurs.
Our startup support includes:
- Guiding 20 aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their seed ideas into viable business plans.
- Structured training for two groups, with the goal of making at least half of the participants enterprise-ready – equipped with a clear community-focused problem-solution model, a completed Business Model Canvas, and an actionable plan.
What we can support with:
Funding Opportunities
Turn your innovative ideas into reality with our financial support:
- Gain access to investment, loans and financing opportunities through a competitive pitch process, designed to financially assist the most promising ideas.
- For established VCSE organisations, whatever stage they are at, we offer grant funding to support growth and enhance social value delivery.
Enhancing skills and knowledge
Join our comprehensive training programme, designed to upskill 100 individuals in crucial areas:
- Topics include Organisational Governance, Marketing, Women in Leadership, Carbon Literacy, Tender Readiness, and Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Recruitment Practices.
- We provide tailored content catering to different learning needs across these topics.
Networking and market development
Expand your network and market understanding:
- Participate in our “Meet the Buyer” event, a platform to connect with potential buyers and understand their requirements,
- Engage in case-study workshops led by the VCSE Data and Insights Observatory and Nottingham CVS, featuring diverse speakers to inspire and educate about the potential of social enterprise.
Additional support
We offer a range of additional support, including business diagnostics, speaker events, student projects, and networking opportunities. For more details, please complete the enquiry form or email vcseobservatory@ntu.ac.uk.
This is your chance to become part of Nottingham's thriving social enterprise community. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your existing venture, the Social Enterprise Accelerator is here to guide and support your journey.
Our project partners
