Transforming Communities: The £4.1 Million Social Enterprise Boost Fund for England’s Disadvantaged Areas

The Social Enterprise Boost Fund, a £4.1 million initiative, aims to jumpstart and accelerate social enterprise activities in six disadvantaged areas of England. This fund combines capacity-building support—including business advice, training, networking, and peer learning—with onward grants of up to £10,000 for entrepreneurs to kickstart or grow their social enterprises.

Focused regions include County Durham, Sandwell, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Thanet, and Wolverhampton. The program runs from early 2023 until March 2025.

By March 2025, the fund aims to:

•Expand the social enterprise sector in targeted areas, supporting new and early-stage organizations.

•Equip local authorities and communities in high-deprivation areas with sustainable systems to foster social enterprise growth.

•Build and share evidence on effective, scalable interventions and the impact of social enterprises on disadvantaged communities.

For more information on available support in your area, contact the relevant local delivery partners:

•County Durham: North East BIC

•Sandwell and Wolverhampton: iSE (Social Enterprise Boost Fund West Midlands)

•South Tyneside and Sunderland: First Port for Social Entrepreneurs

•Thanet: Social Enterprise Kent

This fund provides a vital opportunity to drive social change and economic development in areas that need it most. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative initiative. More info here.