East

Supporting social entrepreneurs in the East of England.

School for Social Entrepreneurs students smiling

Our team in the East is currently delivering two learning programmes across East Anglia. We’ve helped dozens of people set up and develop social enterprises to create lasting change in their communities.

Vision

Our vision is that every community across the eastern region has a trading social enterprise, and that everybody who can see a problem in their neighbourhood can access support and training to develop a project to solve it.

We believe that social entrepreneurs can find ways to solve problems that statutory provision can’t.  It is because of this that we support both large-scale social enterprises such as Leading Lives and AHP Suffolk, and smaller start ups like Lofty Heights.

Partnerships

SSE in the East was previously hosted by Eastern Enterprise Hub, until 2018. We’re grateful for the commitment and passion the EEHub team have shown as a host organisation for our team in the East and for all their support for social entrepreneurs in the region.

Our learning team continues to deliver programmes in the East of England. The EEHub board support the continuation of our team’s unique and innovative learning programmes for social entrepreneurs in the Eastern region.

Programmes at SSE East

The Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme

Whether you are looking to get started on a new idea or want to grow an established organisation, this programme can help. The Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme offers a fully funded year of learning, a mentor and a grant to help you grow your project. The programme will  help you develop as a leader and obtain the skills needed to take your organisation to the next stage.

Find out more

Thurrock Social Entrepreneurship Programme
This programme supports people based in Thurrock who have an idea for a project that helps other people or the environment. The learning and support programme helps them get things up and running, so they become social entrepreneurs. It’s fully funded by Thurrock Council.

Find out more

Local news

Fellows’ stories

Claire Prosho, founder of Claire's Transgender Talks, sitting down and smiling for the camera.

Claire Prosho, Claire's Transgender Talks

Helping others understand transgender identities and the issues faced by the transgender community.

More about Claire
Mary Anne Barclay, founder of Singing for Lung Health Colchester

Mary Anne Barclay, Singing for Lung Health Colchester

Did you know that singing can help lung health? This young musician has turned it into a social enterprise.

More about Mary
Lizzie Heath, founder of Little Kitchen Magicians. Credit: Exposure Photo Agency

Lizzie Heath, Little Kitchen Magicians

Educating thousands about the importance of healthy food and nutrition.

More about Lizzie

Debra Nicholson, Wind Energy Museum

From a background in banking to running a windmill museum.

More about Debra

Rebecca White, Your Own Place

"Meeting so many social entrepreneurs enables not just comparison, but opportunities to weigh up and consider different models of delivery."

More about Rebecca
Social Entrepreneur Jo Salter holds one of the items for sale via Where Does it Come From? An ethical clothing brand

Jo Salter, Where Does It Come From?

"Being in a room with a bunch of inspiring, determined entrepreneurs who want to make the world a better place is a wonderfully positive and sharing experience."

More about Jo
Lofty Heights CIC's founder and team standing in front of one of their vans.

Olive Quinton, Lofty Heights

"Lofty Heights would not have been possible without the encouragement, practical help, support, introductions and networking opportunities that I received from SSE."

More about Olive
The Feed team at an event

Barry Allard, The Feed

"Action Learning Sets helped me get to the root cause of my issues and build a deeper understanding of myself and my enterprise."  

More about Barry
Harrys specters team making chocolates

Mona Shah, Harry Specters

"The best thing about being a part of the SSE was having people who believed in me and my idea."

More about Mona
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