Tuesday, February 2, 2010


What are the HE Social Entrepreneurship Awards?

The HE Social Entrepreneurship Awards programme from UnLtd and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) provides financial and non-financial support across Higher Education Institutions (HEI's) in England to develop their expertise, skills, knowledge base and business support structures in social entrepreneurship and social enterprise activity.

HEFCE promotes and funds high quality, cost-effective teaching and research, meeting the diverse needs of students, the economy and society.

Who can apply?

If you are a member of staff or student within a HEI supported by HEFCE and want support to develop entrepreneurial solutions to social problems that demonstrate a connection to the Higher Education sector, you can apply for one of over 200 awards available.

For example, you could develop or build upon the curriculum or research of your HEI or offer an entrepreneurial solution to an issue within the community served by the HEI.

As this scheme is intended to encourage social entrepreneurs from HEI's, it is required that one of your referees must be a responsible member of staff at the HEI where you study/work e.g. Head of department or Head of school. They will be contacted to cross-check that they fully endorse and support your project.

Please note that the Awards are only open to HEFCE-funded institutions. To view a list of funded HEI's, please click here.

What Awards are available?

You can apply as an individual or informal group for one of our:

Catalyst Awards
Apply for support and up to £5,000 to start up and develop your project.

Development Awards
If you have an existing project which is scalable, you can apply for support and up to £15,000 to take it to the next level.

Click here to find out more about Development Awards

Click here to visit site and find out how to apply!


For more information contact: Sarah Yorke
Tel: 0127 475 0630
or email: sarahyorke@unltd.org.uk










Make Your Mark in Retail

One lucky business wins 6 months free trading in The Mall!

Our Make Your Mark in Retail competition is for any small retail business looking to grow. We understand that the hardest part of growing your business is getting in front of the right customers. Our competition gives the opportunity for one lucky business to do just that and for FREE.

Make Your Mark In Retail total Prize:

  • 6 months free trading in a shopping centre on a Retail Merchandising Unit
  • Free business banking for two years
  • Access to a business relationship manager to advise you in your financial decisions
  • A free place on the National Skills Academy Retail Masterclass
  • A free place on the exclusive BSSA Oxford Summer School where you will learn about retail in more depth

The competition prize is worth well over £15,000

CLICK HERE TO ENTER