18 November 2019
New Funding for Social Firms Helping Disadvantaged into Employment
Funding, coupled with expert advice, is now available for social-purpose businesses in the UK to help people encountering barriers to employment, including the disabled, ex-offenders and the homeless.
Provided by UnLtd, the new Access to Employment Accelerator focuses on improving the employment opportunities of those individuals who are most distant from the labour market.
The scheme supports legally incorporated social businesses that are working to boost employment access for those who encounter significant barriers to work, including disabled people, ex-offenders and the homeless.
The programme offers six months’ intensive support from a dedicated Venture Manager and the opportunity to secure investment of up to £50,000 in repayable capital funding (loan or equity).
Business solutions that offer the most innovative ideas to improve access to employment can be funded. This includes training and support into employment or direct employment opportunities.
UnLtd has a particular focus on three key areas:
- Ventures supporting disabled people into employment.
- Ventures improving access to employment in the East End of London.
- Ventures creating access to employment across the UK.
Legally incorporated, UK based social-purpose businesses may be eligible to apply. They must be committed to delivering a social impact, with a trading record of at least two years. The business must have at least one member of staff working full time.
The deadline for applications to be submitted is 31 January 2020.