Want an Easy Read Translation of this page? Click here

The Enterprise Development Programme takes a collaborative and participatory approach in programme design. By applying to the programme you are not simply applying for a grant, but instead are applying to be part of a cohort of like-minded organisations that will learn together.

Organisations apply onto the programme and, if accepted, work alongside the relevant sector-lead to outline a package of support that best fits with their specific needs. 

We recognise that every organisation is different. As a partnership, we believe that each programme participant – with input and guidance from their sector-lead – is best placed to know what support you need.

Co-designed packages of support will likely include some of or all of the following:

  • Access to a bespoke learning package co-designed by you and your sector-lead,
  • The opportunity to apply for either a feasibility or development grant to put your learning into action (note that grants will likely be capped at £30,000 and may be subject to agreed milestones or evidence of growing income sources)
  • Extensive peer-learning and networking opportunities,
  • Access to a team of pro bono legal experts to act as a sounding board and guide you through the legal considerations of trading 
  • Invitations to conferences on enterprise development and social investment within the wider charitable sector.

The application process involves two steps:

Stage One

The Stage 1 Application Form found here asks you to explain your organisation’s mission, provide details about your leadership and to provide a top-line explanation on your proposed trading activity. 

The information you provide in your stage 1 application will be reviewed alongside the other applications received, and those which best fit the programme priorities will be invited to complete a Stage 2 application.

View application windows by sector 


Stage Two

Based on your Stage 1 Application answers, , we will determine which organisations will be invited to submit a Stage 2 application.

Once you’ve submitted your Stage 2 Application, a Relationship Manager from the Social Investment Business team will do an initial review of your application and will contact you to arrange a time to speak to you about your application. 

Once you’ve spoken to one of our Relationship Managers, your application will then be reviewed by a panel of representatives from your relevant sector lead, Social Investment Business and Access, the Foundation of Social Investment.

We aim to let applicants know the final outcome of their application with feedback within 4-6 weeks of the application window for your sector closing, at the very latest.

Package of Support

If you are accepted onto the programme, we will get in touch to discuss your co-designed support package. Once we have confirmed your package of support we will send you an Offer Letter which details the terms and conditions of the support.

View application windows by sector


Contact us

If you have any questions at any point during the application process, you can get in touch with us for advice and guidance at: grants@sibgroup.org.uk.

If you have any communication needs

Please let us know if completing a form is difficult or impossible for you. We’re happy to talk about other ways for you to tell us about your enterprise idea.

Reach out to your sector’s Enterprise Development Manager:

Keen to apply? Click on the drop down bar below to see when the next round of applications opens for your sector.


Application Windows 2022/23

Environment

Tuesday 19th April – 10amStage 1 Applications Open
Tuesday 10th May – 12 noonStage 1 Applications Close
Thursday 12th May – 10 amStage 2 Applications Open
Monday 6th June – 12 noonStage 2 Applications Close
Monday 25th July – 10amStage 1 Applications Open
Monday 15th August – 12 noonStage 1 Applications Close
Wednesday 17th August- 10 amStage 2 Applications Open
Friday 9th September – 12 noonStage 2 Applications Close
Tuesday 18th October – 10amStage 1 Applications Open
Tuesday 8th November- 12 noonStage 1 Applications Close
Thursday 10th November- 10 amStage 2 Applications Open
Monday 5th December- 12 noonStage 2 Applications Close


Black and Minoritised Communities

Monday 23rd May – 10amStage 1 Applications Open
Monday 13th June – 12 noonStage 1 Applications Close
Wednesday 15th June- 10 amStage 2 Applications Open
Monday 11th July – 12 noonStage 2 Applications Close
Tuesday 6th September- 10amStage 1 Applications Open
Tuesday 27 September- 12 noonStage 1 Applications Close
Thursday 29th September – 10amStage 2 Applications Open
Monday 24th October – 12 noonStage 2 Applications Close
Wednesday 23rd November – 10amStage 1 Applications Open
Wednesday 14th December- 12 noonStage 1 Applications Close
Friday 16th December- 10amStage 2 Applications Open
Friday 20th January – 12 noonStage 2 Applications Close

Please note that there are no further application rounds planned for other sectors at present.


Application Guidance

Black and Minoritised Communities Round


Environment Round