Hampshire School for Social Entrepreneurs

Hampshire School for Social Entrepreneurs provides an exciting and challenging programme that brings together people who want to make a difference through enterprise. It’s practical, rather than academic – all that’s required is a good idea and the drive and commitment to make it happen!

Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs Programme

Hampshire social entrepreneurs to receive funding to fuel ideas - 2013 Applications to the Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs Programme is now open…

Budding social entrepreneurs can now apply for a place on the Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs Programme which is available at the Hampshire School for Social Entrepreneurs. Recruits with entrepreneurial flair from communities across the region who are interested in starting or scaling a social enterprise can apply online at www.the-sse.org/lloyds

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive learning at the school and a financial contribution starting at £4,000 upwards to £25,000 to fund their organisation. To further increase the success of their enterprise, the students will also receive a senior mentor from Lloyds Banking Group during their time on the course.

The programme is designed to empower individuals that have an idea for an enterprise which will address social issues and disadvantage in their communities, by giving them the skills and finance to bring their idea to life. Enterprises benefiting from the current 2012 programme include PEAR, a local enterprise founded by a beauty therapist that offers pampering and remedial massage to young adults with physical and mental disabilities, and their carers.

This support for local talent fuelling social enterprise across Britain today has been made possible with funding from Lloyds Banking Group, with additional funding of £6m from the Big Lottery Fund. The 100% increase on investment further increases the ambition of the Programme, to recruit and support participants who have the potential to create well over £20m in social value. The funding boost has also enabled the number of delivery locations to almost double from seven to 13, allowing the Programme to reach deeper into local communities.

Speaking of the 2013 applications window opening, Sue Dovey Chief Executive Officer of Community Action Hampshire said: “The unique action learning method we use alters the perceptions of a typical ‘school’, in doing so we help to develop some of the most credible and confident entrepreneurs in the UK. This year we aim to do the same with our intake of students by empowering them with the appropriate tools to thrive in today’s challenging climate.”

Victoria Hiscock, current student on the Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs Programme in Hampshire said; “My enterprise, PEAR, is focussed on working with vulnerable children and adults, and helping to build self-esteem through workshops and personal grooming. The Programme is helping me to identify the gaps in my organisation and has shown me how to increase its impact.”

Paul Turner, Community & Sustainable Business Director at Lloyds Banking Group says: “Helping our communities thrive is one of the key ways we will help Britain prosper. The support being delivered to social enterprises throughout the nation's communities by Lloyds Banking Group is not simply about the financial boost provided and the jobs created but, as importantly, is about the way in which we will connect the successful students with our team of experienced mentors who have a wealth of business experience which we hope will help the students to build truly sustainable social enterprises.”

Applicants can find out more information about the Lloyds Banking Group Social or apply by visiting www.the-sse.org/lloyds.

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There is more information - including videos and newsletters - at the Hampshire School for Social Entrepreneurs website.