UnLtd Awards

UnLtd finds, funds and supports social entrepreneurs - enterprising people with solutions that change our society for the better. Our Awards offer funding and support to social entrepreneurs trying to start-up or grow their social business. *A social entrepreneur is the name we give to people who have started, or looking to start, a social business, someone who is driven by their passion to make a difference. *A social business is an organisation whose purpose is to create impact but has a financially sustainable business model to continue to make a difference. It sits in between a commercial business and a charity, often described as profit for purpose.

This support we offer includes grants and investment, one-to-one coaching and guidance, mentorship and legal advice opportunities. We carry out research, tell stories of social entrepreneurs and their impact, host events, and influence policy makers to create a supportive public environment for the incredible work of our social entrepreneurs. We have committed 50% of our grants to social entrepreneurs who identify as being Black, Asian, from a minority ethnic background and/or Disabled across all of our grant giving. Each decision-making panel for our grant funding will be made up of a panel of both staff and social entrepreneurs where at least two individuals identify as: Black, Asian, from a minority ethnic background, Disabled, someone over 50 and / or a Leader with Lived Experience, reflecting both our inclusion commitments and impact areas.

Starting your social business: We can support people from the early stages of forming an idea, to those who have been trading for under a year, whether or not you have already established your organisation. This includes exploring ways to increase your impact, establish your financial sustainability and grow as a social leader. Up to £5,000.

Scaling up: You are already running a social business that is making a positive difference and you have compelling evidence of your impact. You are looking for our support to realise your potential to grow your impact and expand. Up to £15,000.

*Social entrepreneur ELIGIBLE: -Are 16+ years old. -Living in the UK. -The founder of the social business. NOT ELIGIBLE: Looking for funding for a one-off or short-term project where there is limited potential for a sustained and longer-term impact.

*Social business NOT ELIGIBLE: -Is predominantly focused on having an impact on people or places outside the UK. -Legally established for over four years at the time of application (Companies House or Charity Commission registration). -Had a turnover of over £250,000 in their last financial year. -Political or involves religious campaigning. -Involves activities outside of the law, against public policy or anything which encourages ethnic, religious or commercial disharmony.

We cannot currently support you if: *You are under 16 years old. *You do not live in the UK. *You are not the founder of the business. *You are looking for funding for a one-off or short-term project where there is limited potential for a sustained and longer-term impact. *Your organisation is predominantly focussed on having an impact on people or places outside the UK. *Your organisation has been legally established for over four years at the time of application (companies house registration or charity commission). *Your organisation had a turnover of over £250k in their last financial year. *Your organisation is political or involves religious campaigning. *Your organisation involves activities outside of the law, against public policy or anything which encourages ethnic, religious or commercial disharmony.