Social Entrepreneurs Fund – Start It

Funding Details

What is the Funding for?

A Start It award can help you pay for start-up costs. The kind of costs we can cover are quite wide-ranging; typical examples include:

• Legal fees for setting up a legal entity for the enterprise, and/or registration as a charity or Community Interest Company
• Rent
• Website, branding, logo design and marketing materials
• Stationery
• Insurances

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Who can apply? 

You can apply for Start it if you have an idea for a social enterprise but need some funding to get it up and running. The idea should be new, not a continuation of something already existing.

You must also meet our eligibility criteria, which can be found on the first page of the application form.

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How we assess your application 

On receiving your application and if your idea is eligible, we will contact you within 2-4 weeks to undertake an assessment. This informal assessment occurs over the phone or video conferencing tool and provides you another opportunity to tell us about your idea, motivation, and plans.

After the assessment, your idea goes to an independent panel who make the funding decisions. We aim to get back to you within 12-14 weeks of the date you submitted your application. 

During very busy periods or when there are spikes in demand, it may take us a bit longer to give you a decision.

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Funding priorities

Anyone can benefit from our Start It funding and we assess each application on its individual merits. However, we will prioritise applications from individuals who have never had an award from us before.

Check out our Success Studies for examples of enterprises that we have supported. 

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Have a question? 

Read the Guidance Notes below or check out our Frequently Asked Questions. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, get in touch via our Contact Us page, by phone or use our LiveChat feature.

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