The Social Enterprise Accelerator project offers a comprehensive support package to help you bring your new social enterprise ideas to life or grow your existing Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisation.
Are you in need of a boost to take your social enterprise to the next level? Are you contemplating starting a new business venture with a social purpose, but unsure where to begin? Or maybe you’re considering setting up a trading arm of your charity? Our complimentary growth support package is tailor-made for you!
Our experienced team will provide a wide range of support services encompassing specialised training, business diagnostics, organisational development, and access to funding.
Our free support is open to all aspiring social entrepreneurs in Nottingham. 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
Social Enterprise Accelerator is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is a collaborative partnership between Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory and Nottingham Community and Voluntary Services (NCVS).
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.
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.
Enhance Your 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 in the form of business diagnostics, speaker events, student projects and networking opportunities will be available too!
This is your chance to be part of Nottingham's growing social enterprise community. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to grow your existing venture, Social Enterprise Accelerator is here to support your journey. Get in touch and join this transformative project!
For more details, please complete the enquiry form or email vcseobservatory@ntu.ac.uk
