As part of the Social Economy West project, School for Social Entrepreneurs is offering eligible organisations the chance to join its Accelerator Programme.
This programme will give delegates the opportunity to broaden their networks and increase their knowledge to boost their organisation, fully funded by Social Economy West.
What does the Accelerator Programme involve?
The Accelerator Programme will provide focused learning and training for a cohort of delegates, who will get the chance to work with School for Social Entrepreneurs and experts on a variety of topics.
Through a mixture of online and face-to-face learning, organisations on the programme will:
- Explore opportunities to scale
- Understand how to sustain and manage risk
- Explore opportunities to develop their income streams, including creating new products/services
- Increase their understanding of financial management and how to build cash reserves
- Gain an understanding of what good business practice looks like through exploring the Good Employment Charter
- Develop and strengthen their ability to achieve their business outcomes
Why should I sign up to the Accelerator Programme?
By joining the Accelerator Programme, you'll get access to business experts across a variety of topics and hear first-hand experiences of business leaders who can share their learnings and tips with you.
You'll enjoy seven learning days based on themes such as Business Strategy, Marketing & Sales, Scaling, Leadership, Income streams, Peer Networking and Support and Product Development.
There will also be other learning and support opportunities such as:
- Face-to-face Action Learning sets (ALS) You will be split into groups of 4/5 people and facilitated by an Action Learning Facilitator to work together to tackle real-life problems or issues you might be facing with your organisation.
- Action Clinics – an opportunity to meet with a facilitator one-on-one to discuss your needs and challenges.
- Business Development Support Panels – You will bring a challenge to a panel of 4/5 business experts who will offer you support and advice to determine some actions and ways forward.
What are the benefits of the Accelerator Programme?
- Developing income streams and financial resilience
- Leadership, marketing, and team management skills
- Sustainable growth strategies and carbon footprint reduction
- Access to expert advice and action clinics tailored to your organisation's needs
Who is the Accelerator Programme for?
To be eligible to apply you must:
- Be a charity, third-sector organisation, social enterprise or co-operative based in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset or South Gloucestershire
- Have been trading for at least three years
- Be looking to grow and become financially and environmentally sustainable
When does it start?
Applications are now open for the next Accelerator Programme, which starts on 25th February 2025. Application deadline is noon - 14th January 2025.
How can I find out more before applying?
School for Social Entrepreneurs are holding two information sessions in November and December, to allow potential applicants to ask questions and meet other purpose-led organisations in the area.
Dates, times and links to the Zoom sessions are below - click on the links to book your place.
How do I apply?
To apply, fill in the application form below:
A West of England Combined Authority initiative, delivered in partnership with Business West and expert partners to support the social economy across the region.
Charity, co-operative or social enterprise?
You could benefit from tailored support through Social Economy West. Receive help to explore opportunities for growth, effectively manage increasing demand on services, build economic resilience, diversify income streams and more.
Good Employment Charter
The West of England Combined Authority has launched the Good Employment Charter, a voluntary accreditation scheme that aims to improve employment standards in the West of England for organisations of all sizes and sectors.