The programme forms a key part of Lloyds Banking Group’s commitment to helping Britain prosper and is designed to support social entrepreneurs in communities across the UK. The programme provides entrepreneurs with financial support to start or scale up a social business (grants of £1,000 or a Match Trading™ grant of up to £7,000 depending on applicant’s eligibility), a comprehensive learning programme with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and a dedicated mentor from Lloyds Banking Group.

The programme is now in its sixth year and will support 2,350 entrepreneurs to start and scale social businesses by 2020. A brand new funding model, Match Trading™ was also introduced in 2017 to encourage social entrepreneurs to grow their business through trading and increase their sustainability by incentivising them to explore new markets and diversify income streams.

Applications for the 2018-2019 Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme are now open. For more information and to register, visit www.bethesocialchange.com.

Maggie Rich (pictured), who has been supported by SSE Midlands to develop her social enterprise Companions Real Bread, said, “Running for a year now, Companions Real Bread is creating a real impact on the lives and wellbeing of ex-offenders who need extra support and training to find employment. The Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme has been invaluable, from the practical learning sessions to the network of inspiring entrepreneurs and the clear-sighted advice from my business mentor.”

Paula Rogers, head of Social Enterprise at Lloyds Banking Group added, “The Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme attracts so many inspirational and motivated individuals from across Midlands and we look forward to supporting a new cohort of students from Midlands this year. We believe that by supporting individuals to start and develop social businesses to solve the most pressing issues within their local communities, we are helping to drive economic growth across the UK and deliver on our ambition to help Britain prosper”.

Alastair Wilson, CEO of the School for Social Entrepreneurs commented, “Our partnership with Lloyds Banking Group has enabled us to support thousands of social entrepreneurs across the UK to transform communities and help people in need. We look forward to supporting social entrepreneurs from Midlands on each of their individual journeys and to witness their growth with the support of a grant, learning programme with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and dedicated mentor from Lloyds Banking Group”.