Highlighted news and updates
Events for start-up businesses
If you are thinking of starting up a social enterprise these FREE business start up workshops could help you. Have a look at dates and locations or contact Business Link for further info on 0845600 9 006
Big Venture Challenge
A national competition to find the 25 most ambitious social entrepreneurs in England. Find out more here
Winners of Big Venture Challenge will get an initial £25K grant and the chance to access up to £150K of seed funding if matched by loans or equity from co-investors, plus first class business support and mentoring designed to keep pace with high growth social entrepreneurs.
They are looking for social entrepreneurs with vision, talent and determination. In other words:
- people with big ideas to transform disadvantaged communities across England
- people who have got what it takes to build credible ventures
- people who have the ambition to scale up impact fast
Help for Rural Social Enterprises
Grants are available to help establish and develop social enterprises that provide vital services for rural communities.The help comes from the Rural Development Programme for England LEADER programme, which has nearly £4 million over 5 years (until December 2013) to help businesses, farms and communities in rural Sussex. The funding will help a wide range of rural development projects aimed at strengthening the rural economy or providing facilities and services for rural communities. Grants are available towards capital expenditure, up to a maximum of £37,000 in the Sussex Downs and Low Weald LEADER area and up to a maximum of £25,000 in the Three Harbours and Coastal Plain LEADER area.
For more information on the LEADER programme visit : www.westsussex.gov.uk/rdpeleader or call the LEADER programme team on 01243 756606 / 756755.