If you've got an idea for a project to improve your local community, this programme can help make it happen.
Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland are offering a fully funded year of learning and a grant to help you get started on a new idea or scale up an existing social enterprise.
During the programme you will develop as a leader and obtain the skills needed to take your organisation to the next stage.
The programme is incredibly practical and students can expect to learn from their peers, build new networks and be challenged by practitioners.
The programme is split into Start Up and Scale Up:
Start Up
If you are at an early stage in the development of your project or organisation, the Start Up programme will support you in personal development and basic business skills development to help turn your project or project idea into a reality. Each 'Start Up' participant will receive a grant of £4,000 to support their learning and the development of their project.
The course will cover:
• Setting up a Social Enterprise
• Strategy
• People and Money
• Marketing
• Leadership
• Presentation Skills
• Social Impact
The programme is packed full of inspirational and practical sessions that lift the lid on the key challenges that you will face starting and leading your project, and by the end of the year you will be part of a peer group who you can share ideas with and get support from.
Scale Up
If you have an established organisation and are looking to take it to the next level, the Scale Up programme will equip you with the tools to develop it further and maximise its social impact. Each 'Scale Up' participant will receive a grant of £15,000 to support their learning and the development of their project.
Organisations applying for Scale Up should be at least 1 year old and have a turnover greater than £25,000.
The course will cover:
• Strategies for growth and sustainability
• Partnerships
• Staff development
• Leading in a changing environment
• Trading
• Impact and Evaluation
• Funding and investment for growth
Applications for the 2014 programme are open until 3 April 2014.
For further information and to apply, visit: www.the-sse.org/schools/26/lloyds-bank-and-bank-of-scotland-social-entrepreneurs-programme/192/about-the-programme