How To Apply

Applications will work slightly differently in the new version of the programme than they did in the pilot year. Previously organisations had to apply separately for a place on a training programme and/or for one of two different types of grant, feasibility or development.

Having taken on feedback we have adapted this year’s approach to ensure organisations looking to join the enterprise movement have minimal restrictions and maximum support to organisations whatever stage in their enterprise journey they may be. For those looking to apply we will only be seeking details of enterprise ideas or motivations and context of how it will benefit your organisation and beneficiaries/community. If accepted onto the programme they will have the opportunity to work with the programme partners to ascertain exactly what they need to progress their ideas and build the resilience of their organisation. Packages of support will be agreed for each organisation, and could involve any or all of the following:

• Joining a peer cohort to share enterprise journeys (NB this is likely to be a standard requirement of all participants)
• Grants to research or test out new ideas, to launch new enterprises or grow existing ones. Grants can be for varying amounts but will usually not be more than £30k, and are likely to be conditional on evidence of growing income streams, using methods such as MatchTrading TM
• Training and learning opportunities tailored to needs
• Direct advice and support

Applications will be made online via this site, once the application window opens for each sector. The applications will be processed by Social Investment Business, who have been selected as the Strategic Grant Partner for the next five years for Access – the Foundation for Social Investment.

Sector Application Windows

Mental Health

This application window is now closed to new Expressions of Interest. However, for those who have submitted an EOI, applications are still open to organisations working within the Mental Health sector who meet the eligibility criteria.

Equality

This application window is open to organisations working within the Equality sector who meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants are initially required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Once this has been approved by our team (three to five working days), you’ll be invited to complete and submit a full application.

Youth

Please see eligibility criteria for organisations working in the Youth sector.

Homelessness

Application window currently closed.

Application Guidance

You can register your interest for future rounds of EDP by sending an email to enterprisedevelopment@sibgroup.org.uk, stating which sector your organisation operates in, and we will contact you when the relevant application window opens.

First Stage Application Process

The first stage of the application is to submit an EOI (expression of interest). The relevant sector partner organisations will then review these for eligibility and those eligible organisation will be sent further details of the application process. 

Existing Applicants Login

If you have already submitted and Expression of Interest, been notified that you are eligible for the programme and have already registered with the online application system, you can log in via the button below.

If you have not already submitted an expression of interest, please review the information about application windows for your sector and, if a window is open, please submit an EOI via the button above.