East Anglia: Lloyds Banking Group backs social enterprise grant scheme

WOULD-BE social entrepreneurs are set to benefit from start-up and scale-up grants along with funded places on a social enterprise learning programme thanks to a new national partnership between Lloyds Banking Group and the School for Social Entrepreneurs.

A campaign is underway to recruit people with business ideas that will benefit the wider community to fill 16 places on offer in the East of England and receive a grant to benefit their business.

The Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs Programme will see individuals benefit from a share of a �1million fund with grants of up to �15,000 available.

Successful applicants will also receive a place on a specialist-learning programme that will include business learning, mentoring and support to develop their business plans.

Steve Elsom, Lloyds’ area director – commercial, said: “We’re really excited about being involved with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and really looking forward to supporting new social entrepreneurs across our region, at the start of their business journey.

“These are the types of new enterprises that create jobs right at the heart of our communities.”

Celia Hodson, chief executive of the Eastern Enterprise Hub, home of the School for Social Entrepreneurs – East, which will deliver the learning element of the programme, added: “We understand the potential for social enterprise businesses to transform communities and to be a catalyst for economic growth.

“We are really pleased that this partnership will enable us to recruit some exceptional people with the drive, talent and passion to develop a business that will really benefit their local community.”

The initiative involves a major funding commitment from Lloyds Banking Group and additional investment from the Nominet Trust. Applications should be made online www.the-sse.org .