Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme

Applications are now open!

This programme has helped more than  2,000 people to start up, build and scale social enterprises, charities, community projects and impact-led organisations.

We could support you with:

  • A free learning programme, shaped by your needs, to help you adapt to a post-Covid new normal
  • A grant (£1,000 – £7,000)
  • A mentor
  • A supportive community of peers in a similar role to you

The Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme is run in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, and jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Which level is right for you?

Start Up

Trade Up

Scale Up

*We will consider the impact of Covid-19 when assessing the income criteria. So if you were expecting to have £15,000 (or £75,000 for Scale Up) income this year, but you are not going to because of Covid-19, please tell us about this in your application form. We will take this into account.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We encourage and welcome applications from social entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and are looking to make a real difference to the lives of their local communities. We want to make sure this programme supports communities that face systemic barriers.

We welcome applications from everyone with priority given to:

  • those working in deprived areas
  • people of colour and from minoritised ethnic backgrounds
  • disabled people
  • LGBTQ+ people
  • and/or organisations supporting these groups.

No educational qualifications are needed to join this programme.

FAQs

What’s the deadline?

Applications close at 1pm 16th April 2021.

Is this really free?

Yes! You can use the grant for your project’s running costs and to pay for travel and subsistence to support you in attending the learning programme.

The learning programme and mentoring is fully funded, thanks to funding from our partners Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Government and The National Lottery Community Fund. The School for Social Entrepreneurs is a charity.

Who can apply?

We can help you at all stages: whether you have just an idea, you’re already up-and-running, or you’re ready to scale. There are more detailed criteria for each programme level via the links above.

Inclusivity is one of our core values, and everyone is welcome at SSE, including people who are long-term unemployed, ex-offenders, people with disabilities and people of all abilities. You don’t need any educational qualifications for this programme.

The impact of this programme

The 1,350 social entrepreneurs supported by the first five years of the programme have benefited the lives of 328,000 people – that’s more than the entire population of Coventry! They also created 4,000 jobs (full-time equivalent).

Learn more

Logo for Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme, in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and the National Lottery Community Fund.