Funding available for social entrepreneurs

Social entrepreneurs are being encouraged to apply for funding to help make their venture a reality.

Teesside University has been allocated a second round of funding from the social enterprise support agency, UnLtd, which will help staff, students and recent graduates with ideas for community projects to get them off the ground.

The UnLtd funding gives grants of up to £2,000 to help would-be social entrepreneurs explore their ideas and help make them a success.

The University has an excellent track record with supporting social enterprise and in the last year awarded grants of almost £28,000, spawning several successful companies.

Eileen Wicks, Graduate Enterprise Manager, said: 'We were delighted to hear that Teesside University has been allocated a second round of funding to support staff and students through our competitive awards programme for social entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey.

'Following the huge success with our first programme we realise just how many of you out there have an idea that will create social change and are passionate about making this happen in your area.

'If you’re ready to try your idea, do it full-time or build it up we can help.'

Recent companies to have benefitted from the scheme include Jack In the Box, founded by Teesside University graduate Mahé Gladdon.

The company, which now employs 12 people, works to provide activities for disabled children and their families and was a finalist in the Champions of Change Awards, organised by UnLtd.

Mahé said: 'Social enterprise is such a forward way of thinking – more businesses should look into it.

'You know all the money is going to the right place and it makes you feel much better about what you’re doing.'

Rob Skene and Mike Lawrence also recently founded film and design company, Yellow Snow, with support from UnLtd.

The company aims to provide students with a method of gaining practical work experience and business experience while earning a salary.

Mike said: 'We are trying to create jobs for those students who are far more talented than us, but weren’t lucky enough to land on their feet after graduation.'

Another recent graduate who set up a company with the help of UnLtd funding is Satwinder Badesha who has set up a gluten free online search engine.

The service allows sufferers of Coeliac Disease and those with gluten allergies to find companies that offer gluten-free products and review them.

Satwinder said: 'The overall experience at Teesside was excellent, the enterprise team enabled my project to move at an accelerated rate due to their support and resources available.'

Anybody who wants to know more about the UnLtd funding can contact Eileen Wicks on 01325-384640.

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