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A leading social investor, Key Fund, is actively seeking to support social entrepreneurs from ethnic minorities. Key Fund, which operates across the North and the Midlands, offers investment (loans and grants) between £5,000-£300,000 to social enterprises in some of the most deprived communities. The move is in response to ongoing research from the Black United Representation Network (BURN) that shows only a fraction of ethnic minority businesses in Manchester are accessing and securing investment. The groundbreaking study concluded productivity could be boosted by almost £4bn in the Manchester region alone, if steps were taken to dismantle the barriers Black and Asian business leaders face. One million of the six million businesses in the UK are minority owned, yet people from minority groups face greater exclusion from the financial system, according to the Minority Businesses Matter Report*. Key Fund began in South Yorkshire in 1999 in response to the collapse of the coal and steel industries. A social enterprise itself, it was founded by like-minded social entrepreneurs and philanthropists to breathe life back into its communities, by supporting new enterprise. Matt Smith, CEO of Key Fund, said: “Key Fund has a long history of reaching the most disadvantaged places, but we’re aware the most marginalised groups in these places have traditionally been unable to access finance. Our mission to create successful communities can’t work if there are people still left behind. There is a profound need, and we have to step up to meet it.” Key Fund supports social or community organisations who work to create positive social or environmental impact, as well as profit. To date, Key Fund has awarded £49.4m in loans and £23.3m in grants, creating or sustaining 3,000 businesses, and over 4,000 jobs, with a total £370m impact. Matt added: “At Key Fund, we pride ourselves in getting the right money, into the right hands, at the right time. We need to do more to address shocking discrimination. If you’re a social entrepreneur who has been turned down by your bank, or struggled with cultural or language barriers, our door is open. Please talk to us.” Barriers include discrimination, and the lack of customised business and application support, delivered by diverse providers. Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE, an award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of BURN, said: “Understanding the specific barriers that ethnic minorities face is a crucial first step in creating solutions that can overcome long-standing racial inequities. We’re thrilled Key Fund as leaders in the social investment sector, has recognised this issue, and look forward to working with them to help our economy be one where all can thrive.” Key Fund’s commitment to inclusivity will feature a series of workshops aimed at ethnic minority social entrepreneurs, offering translation services as required. It is actively championing its existing BAME clients in the hope to inspire others. Key Fund investees in the last year include Highway Hope in Manchester, which has grown into a social enterprise hub, with discount food stores, a beauty salon for ethnic minorities, IT hub, re-use furniture store and educational programmes. Key Fund invested £19,200 in loan and £5,800 grant in 2023 to help its CEO, Esther Oludipe, develop its community café. It also invested in Toranj Tuition to allow them to purchase their own building and become more sustainable. Established by three Iranian nationals in Hull twenty years ago, it supports qualified migrants to re-enter their professions in the UK, and runs educational programmes for children from deprived backgrounds. Other recent investees include Newcastle’s Africawad, founded by asylum seeker Afi Dometi, which supports over 20 women into education or employment in the UK each year, and saves 300,000 kilos of unwanted clothes from landfill thekeyfund.co.uk * MSDUK (minoritybusinessesmatter.org) To access the BURN Barriers to Inclusion report for Greater Manchester go to: BarierstoInclusionReportJanuary2024.pdf - Google Drive

It’s estimated that up to 15% of the UK’s population are neurodiverse1. Yet across society, many systems including education, employment, health and social services are built around everyone being neurotypical. The good news is that more businesses and start-ups are working on inspirational products and services that want to change this balance, creating a more accessible and fair society for all. And we want to help them grow and succeed. Allia’s next Impact Accelerator is designed for impact start-ups that are creating solutions around neurodiversity and physical disability. These could be tech solutions or social innovations that address challenges experienced by people living with disabilities (such as software/hardware assistive technologies for neurodiverse conditions or mobility impairment, sensory impaired disorder, chronic pain, etc).  What is Allia’s Accelerator? If you think your start-up or charity would benefit from intensive support for 5 months, with business experts advising and coaching every step of the way – then read on! Allia’s Accelerator offers award-winning business support for late pre-seed or seed start-ups with 1-1 coaching and mentoring tailored to your venture’s needs, and introductions to appropriate investors – with expert-led workshops, including business modelling, marketing, fundraising and pitching. The programme culminates in a Demo Day which is specifically curated for impact driven funds & investors. The successful ventures, after a series of pitch practices through the programme, will pitch to an audience of impact investors (angels, VCs, family offices), advisors, start-up founders and stakeholders in the impact space.  Who is eligible for this support? Start-ups will have an MVP (minimum viable product), should be able to demonstrate traction with their product and business, and be ready to develop the next stage of growth in their business. Ideally, founders will be able to travel to London occasionally to benefit from in-person interactions – however, we recognise that not all participants may be able to travel, and if this is the case, please share details in the application form. We understand that in person interactions may not be ideal for everyone so please understand that we will aim to be flexible for all taking part. Above all, we prioritise genuine and authentic engagement in the programme and with our team, and want to welcome everyone who thinks they will benefit from participation in the programme. Applications close on 6 February – and the programme will launch 28 February. Please get in touch with any questions and if you need any advice related to your application, please contact hello@alliaimpact.co.uk or read more about the programme and apply at https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/programmes/allia-impact-accelerator-diversity-and-disability-inclusion/ 1 https://adhdaware.org.uk/what-is-adhd/neurodiversity-and-other-conditions/

Leading community dental provider, CDS CIC has been piloting a treatment programme for people with Severe Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) and/or homelessness. The pilot is a partnership between CDS and the East Midlands Primary Care Team, working on behalf of five Integrated Care Boards in the Midlands. The CDS Mobile Dental Clinic has been visiting locations in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire that offer established services for people who are homeless. Patients are supported to attend appointments in an environment they are familiar with for check-ups and follow-up treatment. People experiencing SMD and homelessness face many barriers to accessing oral health care and experience higher levels of dental carries and periodontal disease than the general population. Poor oral health is linked to a decreased quality of life among these patients, compounding issues such as poor diet and substance misuse to alleviate pain. 36% of people who are homeless have accessed A&E services due to oral health related pain*. People who are homeless can often feel ashamed and embarrassed to attend a dental practice full of people, fearing that they will be judged as well as facing difficulty finding and registering with a dentist without a fixed address. The pilot been specifically designed around the needs of this patient group, with the mobile dental clinic attending places they are already familiar with and trust. Nicola Milner, Chief Operating Officer for CDS in the Midlands, said: ‘We know people who are homeless have multiple problems with their oral health. They find it incredibly difficult to access the care they need experiencing pain, frequently visiting A&E or even resorting to taking out teeth themselves. We worked closely with people who support this group of patients, and we are becoming known and trusted. It is fantastic that we can provide a positive experience for patients who may not have had good experiences accessing dental care before and to relieve their pain and embarrassment associated with their teeth.’ So far, the mobile clinic has seen 145 patients at twice weekly sessions which are also an opportunity to signpost to other services, such as smoking cessation and drug and alcohol support. The mobile clinic is equipped to provide a full range of dental treatment. Feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive: “I think this service is invaluable to me. I have not been to a dentist for several years. My teeth are a state from years of drug abuse and being beaten up while living rough on the streets. The dentist was very kind and put me at ease while looking at my teeth and guided me through the process/appointments. This is the beginning of the new me. Thank you so much.”  “I cannot thank the dentist enough for the support they have shown me. The dentist was non-judgemental towards me, as I was living in a tent in Derbyshire for over 2 years. To be honest, my teeth were the last thing on my mind, but looking back, my teeth are one of the first things other people see. I know that I would have never gone to a dentist surgery as I am far too embarrassed.” The pilot began in June and is set to continue for 12 months. ENDS Notes to editor: *Reference: Healthy Mouths. A peer-led health audit on the oral health of People experiencing homelessness. Groundswell 2017 available at www.groundswell.org.uk

The UK’s largest independent athlete support programme – the GLL Sport Foundation Awards – closes its application window on 20 February. Talented athletes from 65 areas across the UK are invited to apply for a range of support awards which include financial help, access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health aid. Now in its 15th year of operation, the GLL Sport Foundation has so far contributed over £14m and distributed 26,000 awards to support young talented athletes on their sporting journey. The innovative scheme is provided by charitable social enterprise GLL and a number of partner sponsors and expects to award £1.2m worth of help in 2024 for successful applicants. Already a popular and essential support programme for athletes, the Foundation is expecting heightened athlete interest as training costs, equipment purchases, strength & conditioning costs and travel costs continue to rise.   All successful applicants will be given access to the 250 sport and leisure facilities across the UK operated by GLL under its “Better” trading brand. Applications opened on 20 December 2023 and are available until 20 February 2024. The award application announcement for 2024 was made at the York Stadium Leisure Complex which comprises the LNER Community Stadium and York Leisure Centre.  Both of the co-located venues are run by GLL and now add their world class facilities to those that can be used by GSF athletes in training – including Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Copper Box Arena, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s White Water Centre, Ice Centre and VeloPark; and Manchester’s Aquatics Centre and National Cycling Centre. The LNER Community Stadium will be hosting matches for the Rugby World Cup 2025 as well as resident teams York City FC and York Knights RLFC. Over the past 16 years, GLL Sport Foundation supported athletes have excelled in major competitions and have gained 76 Olympic and Paralympic medals and 77 Commonwealth Games medals. Previous holders of GSF awards include Darryl Neita (athletics), Anna Hursey (table tennis), Charlotte Worthington (BMX), Alex Yee (triathlon), boxers Anthony Joshua, Aiden and Michaela Walsh, divers Tom Daley, Matty Lee and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, swimmers Tully Kearney, Susie Rodgers, Tom Dean and Ellie Simmons. It has always however been a core mission of the programme to support young emerging talent on their sporting journey, with the majority of athletes aged under the age of 21 and the largest cohort under 18 years old. Across the programme, 87% of athletes receive no other funding or athlete support, which underlines the importance of the scheme to both athletes and GLL’s social values. Commenting on the closing of the application window for the GSF Awards 2024, Peter Bundey, GLL Sport Foundation Chair, said: “There’s still time for talented athletes across the country to apply for our awards and take advantage of a unique opportunity to reach their sporting potential. “Previous athletes tell us the awards provide a lifeline to individuals who want to compete at the highest level as well as helping local communities discover the opportunities and enrichment that comes through sport.” Applications are open until 20th February 2024 via the website portal – www.gllsportfoundation.org GSF supported para tennis player Lily Mills, 23, from Islington said: “I’m really excited about the new round of GSF Awards - for all young athletes out there like me, these awards can make a huge difference to us staying in training and competing at the highest level.”

Iridescent Ideas CIC are leading a partnership of fantastic local organisations and experts to deliver the Social Enterprise Advice and Support (SEAS) Programme. Commissioned by Plymouth City Council, and funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme is providing FREE business support and advice for Plymouth-based individuals, social enterprises and co-operatives. Support available includes access to expert, specialist one-to-one advice, workshops covering digital skills, creative technology, funding and finance, social investment,  marketing, business planning and a range of other related topics, as well as access to a suite of online courses.  Gareth Hart, Director of Iridescent Ideas CIC said: “Iridescent Ideas is delighted to lead the SEAS Programme. Our partnership includes world leading social enterprises and experts providing support on all aspects of starting, running and developing a social enterprise or co-op. “We want to see social enterprise and co-operative ways of running businesses become the norm in Plymouth. We know that many people have brilliant ideas but they need a bit of support to help start up a social enterprise or co-op and also, many existing social enterprises and co-ops want to develop new services and products. “The SEAS programme responds to that by providing free, easy to access business support and advice.” The partnership and specialisms are listed below: Cosmic – digital skills, leadership Dirk Rohwedder (Enterprise with Purpose) – coaching, leadership, financial management Diversity Business Incubator (DBI) – development, specialist support Black and Minority Ethnic social entrepreneurs Iridescent Ideas – legal structures, governance, social enterprise start-up Jon Rolls (BCause) – social investment, investment readiness Paul Read (Drift) – business planning, growth, young people Plymouth Social Enterprise Network (PSEN) – networking and event promotion. POP – networking and start-up funding advice. Real Ideas – creative/digital tech social entrepreneurs, marketing, access to facilities.  Interested? Email seas@iridescentideas.com, visit the Iridescent Ideas website to find out more or REGISTER HERE!

TCES National Online School – whose pupils have special educational needs, with many at risk of becoming ‘ghost children’ through missing out on school entirely - has been named as the first online special school to be accredited under the Department for Education’s new Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS).  The clampdown scheme was launched in response to growing concern about the quality and safety of an unregulated and rapidly growing online education sector. In a blog post explaining the scheme, National Director of Education, Christopher Russell, has identified the risks as: ‘Anyone - qualified or not – could cobble together an unsafe platform, plan a few lessons, and start to charge fees to unsuspecting parents. That’s bad for children, bad for their parents, and it's also unfair for the good online providers that are proud of their work and welcome independent oversight.’ A two-day inspection, during which inspectors spoke to children, parents and the Local Authorities who fund TCES National Online School places, concluded that the school had met all OEAS quality standards: ‘Led by the proprietor, leaders and staff are driven by a strong moral purpose to improve children’s academic and pastoral outcomes. They expertly intertwine education and therapy, working tirelessly to identify, reduce, and often, eliminate the barriers to learning children have faced.’  ‘In line with TCES’ other schools and services, TCES National Online School provides for pupils’ holistic development through a five-part curriculum: academic and vocational, enrichment, engagement, therapeutic and pupil leadership. The curriculum is designed to meet pupils’ educational, therapeutic and SEMH needs and is mapped against the targets in pupils’ EHC plans. When joining the provider, pupils are enrolled as full-time learners, with timetables specific to their needs. As they develop trust in their tutors and build in confidence, pupils access an increasing range of learning opportunities.’ Welcoming the first-of-its-kind quality mark, TCES Founder and CEO Thomas Keaney says:   ‘Being the first online special school to achieve the Department for Education’s quality mark is a huge achievement for my team. It proves that we’re doing what we set out to; provide a first-class, well-rounded education for children with special needs, anxiety and other challenges that make it impossible for them to attend school in person.   ‘Just as importantly the quality mark provides vital reassurance for families and Local Authorities. Now they can look for an online provider with the OEAS quality mark and know that we meet the standards demanded by the Department for Education.’ 10-year-old Daniel has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has been studying with TCES National Online School since May 2023. Prior to joining TCES, Daniel’s attendance at his mainstream primary school had fallen to around 50% and getting him into school had become increasingly difficult for his mum Louise, who says:  ‘I used to dread waking up in the morning to get Daniel into school. Sometimes I couldn’t get him there until midday or 1pm.  I felt like I was failing as a mum because he was suffering so much. I want him to have an education, but not at the expense of his mental health. Daniel could certainly have become one of the so-called ‘ghost children’ without TCES National Online School. His school said they couldn’t meet his needs, I would have had to take him out and maybe try home-schooling, but I don’t have any training in that area. Everything could have become very, very difficult for us both. Since he’s been with TCES, I’ve seen Daniel thrive and be independent. He’s excited rather than stressed. He’s calmer, happier, he knows he’s in a safe environment and doesn’t feel threatened.’ TCES CEO Thomas Keaney continues: ‘Most TCES National Online School pupils have Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) owing to their medical diagnoses, special needs, or mental health challenges. Often, they are victims of a broken system which has seen them permanently excluded with no other school that will take them, or waiting years for a special school place in a sector where chronic underinvestment means that need far outstrips supply.  For these families, online school is not a lifestyle choice, a nice to have, it’s quite simply the only way that their complex and vulnerable children can access the education they are entitled to. With more than 36% of children with EHCPs persistently absent, and more than 3,000 reportedly waiting for a special school place, it’s high time we stopped thinking of attendance in a physical school as the only solution. Today is a first for the online education sector, and I hope it sends a clear message that online special education – be it interim or permanent – is a viable option for the future. Regulating the sector must be just the start of the journey for the Department for Education. Next it must consult, invest, and plan for the expansion of state-funded online special schools, rather than allow a two-tier online school system to open up where only those parents who can afford it get the specialist education their children deserve.’ About TCES TCES National Online School has been providing a full online curriculum and school experience to pupils since 2020. It is part of the family-owned, social enterprise group, The Complete Education Solution (TCES). TCES was set up in 1999 by founder and CEO Thomas Keaney whose authentic commitment to inclusion means that no child has ever been permanently excluded in the Group’s 24-year history, and there are no fixed term exclusions either.  Increasingly, pupils referred to TCES National Online School have been out of school for long periods, and at substantial risk of becoming ‘ghost children’ and/or being drawn into criminal and other forms of exploitation owing to a chronic lack of support for them and their families. Working to the same therapeutic education principles used in TCES bricks and mortar schools (rated Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted) TCES National Online School aims to prepare pupils to ‘step down’ into physical mainstream or special schools wherever possible. Pupils attend TCES National Online School for a minimum of six weeks, with the average placement lasting 28 weeks. However, pupils also attend for longer periods where appropriate. The OEAS inspection report confirms that ‘no pupils leaving the provider [TCES National Online School] become NEET’ (not in education, employment or training).

We're thrilled to announce the expansion of Impact Hub London, with the opening of our second hub in Spring 2024! Introducing Impact Hub London Euston at Regent’s Place A fully sustainable and accessible workspace, rated BREEAM Excellent, Impact Hub London Euston at Regent’s Place provides a vibrant space for collaboration, connection, and inclusive innovation. It’s perfect for social entrepreneurs and growing impact teams, with 6 private offices, 16 team desks and coworking space. Located between Camden, Regent’s Park, Fitzrovia, Euston and Marylebone, and with five tube stations within an 8-minute walk, it is one of the most accessible areas in London, helping to bring changemakers from across London together.  Read more about our new location here. Workspace features Micro-office Team desks Coworking space Bike parking Breakout areas Members library Communal kitchen Dedicated event space Fully accessible design Meeting rooms Dog friendly Join the Movement Join us in Euston as we create a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Together, we can harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and collective action to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. Download the brochure Book a call to find out more!  

Find out about social enterprise Beam's 131,370 Reasons to Act Now campaign to help support individuals and families experiencing homelessness to find safe and stable homes. Only 4% of Brits gave money to the homeless in 2023, according to the latest research by Beam, the social impact start-up supporting homeless people and refugees. Rates of giving have also declined year on year since 2021. 11% of people reported donating to the homeless in 2021, falling to 9% in 2022. Average giving in December has fallen from £9 in 2022 and £7 in 2021 to a new low of £3, month to date this December. These falling donation rates come at a time when the latest government figures state 131,370 children are now legally homeless, living in emergency accommodation due to the lack of social housing and the deepening cost of living crisis.  According to a survey of 2,000 adults in the UK conducted during the first week of December 2023, the reasons for declining giving were: not carrying cash (34%), the cost of living crisis (31%), unsure of what the money will be spent on (19%), don’t know enough about the individual (11%), and other causes being a priority (5%). The new data highlights the growing impact of a cashless society on giving. The survey also highlights the misconception that homeless people are mostly rough sleeping or begging, when over 80% of homeless people are off the streets in emergency accommodation.  However, there may be signs of a way out. The average one-off donation to people using Beam’s crowdfunding platform is £31.09*, highlighting that online giving, personal stories, direct connections and transparency on where donations go can significantly increase the size of donations.  Beam is the world’s first crowdfunding platform for homeless people and others in need. Beam has been able to help people like Regina from South London, who was introduced to the social impact start-up after almost four years of homelessness. She had to flee her home from an emotionally abusive domestic situation for the safety of herself and her daughter. To afford the hostel that the council offered her, Regina had to quit her estate agent job and go onto Universal Credit. Through Beam, the public funded Regina’s employment training and nursery bills so that her daughter could receive support while she levelled up her career. With Christmas around the corner, Beam has launched its “131,370 Reasons to Act Now” campaign. There are currently 131,370 homeless children in emergency accommodation in the UK. Beam is urgently raising £131,370 to support the individuals and families working with Beam to find a safe and stable home so that next Christmas their situation will be brighter. Alex Stephany, Founder and CEO of Beam: “This winter, we face a deepening homelessness emergency. Beam’s latest research highlights the UK public still holds some outdated beliefs that directly impact people’s willingness to support homeless people. Beam’s online donation platform tears down barriers like lack of cash and worries about where the money will be spent. At the heart of this new model is technology that can directly connect people who care about this issue with those in need. Homelessness is one of the biggest social problems of our time and the need has never been greater. By backing someone on Beam, people can give transparently as each homeless person has their own budget with costs broken down to the nearest pound. Efficiently - as 100% of donations go towards the campaign's cost. And responsibly - as Beam holds all donations securely on behalf of the people we help.” Regina comments: “Homelessness isn’t a choice anyone makes unless they are out of options. People not only need your help, but your kindness. I got 1-1 support from a Beam caseworker and financial support from Beam’s community. And I also heard directly from the donors who left messages of encouragement - those messages were lights of hope in the darkness. I will never forget one I got from a little girl who wanted to use her Christmas money to help the homeless. Those messages kept me going. This Christmas you could help someone like me and your money and kindness could mean that next Christmas they too are out of homelessness and on to a brighter future.” About Beam Beam is a start-up supporting homeless people and refugees into stable jobs and homes for the long-term. Its unique crowdfunding platform helps disadvantaged communities to raise funding for job training, work tools, rental deposits and other financial costs related to finding a job or home. Over 200,000 donations and 60,000 messages of support have flowed through Beam’s platform to homeless people and others in need of support. Donations come from the public and companies, who can view transparent budgets of financial barriers required to support each person. By partnering with the government to fund its overheads, Beam also has a unique 100% giving model, allowing every penny to fund financial barriers for some of the UK’s most vulnerable people this Christmas. Since launching in 2017, Beam has supported more than 2,500 homeless people and refugees into stable jobs and homes.