SOCIAL enterprises are being invited to enter the Santander Social Enterprise Development Awards for the chance to win up to £50,000.

Not-for-profit businesses which put something back into the community have the opportunity to win £50,000, £30,000 or £15,000 in order to fund one of three community benefits: improving social inclusion, supporting disadvantaged people or creating a greener environment.

The awards are targeted at growing social enterprises and community interest companies, those who need a financial boost to help them increase their impact.

Rob Williamson, chief executive of Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, said: “A wide range of organisations in our area are engaged in social enterprise as a means of helping our communities. Through this award scheme Santander will be able to help some of the best in this field have an even greater impact.”

Alongside the prize money, winning social enterprises will receive access to support including mentoring programmes, funding for internships and university business courses and training.

The can also get input from the Community Foundation Network which will work with them to assess the social impact of their business and the prize fund on local communities.

Craig Iley, Santander Corporate Banking regional director, said: “The Social Enterprise Development Awards will help social enterprises looking to expand to realise their goals, and at the same time support economic development in the region.”

To enter the competition, organisations can complete a short entry form downloadable from www.santanderseda.co.uk. The deadline is the end of September.

Source:nebusiness