Over the next five years, the Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs programme will support 500 social entrepreneurs across the UK, as they start-up and grow social and community enterprises.
Launching in April 2012, the scheme will see 100 social entrepreneurs each year receive comprehensive support from the SSE through its innovative learning programmes, as well as a grant ranging from between £4,000 and £25,000.
A donation to the SSE from Lloyds Banking Group has made the programme possible.
Job creation in local communities
Outcomes from previous SSE programmes (evaluated by New Philanthropy Capital) show that the programme could ultimately benefit over 800,000 people and generate up to 2,500 jobs with a value of £11m.
Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs programme will create an important and enduring legacy across the UK, building the confidence, skills and networks of 500 local people who are working to address a social need.
Paul Turner, Lloyds Banking Group Community and Sustainable Business Director said:
"This programme will leave a powerful legacy in communities across the UK. SSE's track record made them a partner of choice and we are incredibly proud to be able to support them in this way."
Alastair Wilson, Chief Executive of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, which is a strategic partner of the Office for Civil Society within the Cabinet Office, said:
"We are delighted that Lloyds Banking Group has taken the lead in making such a significant commitment to supporting social entrepreneurs.
"Economic growth and regeneration in the UK will come from people working locally. This partnership will make a real and lasting difference."
SSE sees a 20% higher survival rate
Supporting social entrepreneurs since 1997, SSE has enabled its students to develop organisations that address issues they face within their communities.
With a 20% higher survival rate displayed for participant organisations than traditional businesses, it is clear that SSE's support has a significant impact.
Supporting the SSE to run this programme over the next five years further underscores Lloyds Banking Group's commitment to make a difference within the communities in which it operates.
It is part of a number of initiatives the bank is undertaking to encourage enterprise, which includes commitments made under its SME Charter, such as a promise to hold at least 200 seminars a year on issues that matter to SMEs.
Junior Smart, founder of SOS Gangs Project, an award-winning organisation which helps young offenders move their lives forward, said:
"I used to be seen as an ex-offender, but now I'm an entrepreneur and a youth leader, thanks to the skills I gained from the SSE. The school had a direct impact on the work we're doing in the community and on my own rehabilitation."
Jacquie Johnston-Lynch founded The Brink, a non-alcoholic bar in Liverpool which helps people recovering from drink and drug addiction, and says that the SSE "boosted my sense of self and helped my organisation to give the community a real boost - touching the lives of many, many people."
Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs will support another 500 social entrepreneurs, like Junior and Jacquie, to achieve transformational change in their communities.
