Social Economy West Accelerator Programme 2025
Building resilience in the West of England
Building resilience in the South West’s purpose-led economy
The Social Economy West Accelerator Programme is designed for leaders in the West of England who are focused on refining their strategy, scaling their impact, and building lasting peer networks.
Unlike other programmes, this is tailored specifically for purpose-led organisations in the West of England. With content and support shaped by the region’s unique social, economic, and environmental landscape, you’ll gain the tools to grow your organisation while tackling the challenges facing your community.
Why join the Social Economy West Accelerator Programme 2025
This programme is more than just an opportunity to learn—it’s a chance to transform your organisation. You’ll leave with a clearer vision, practical tools to drive growth, and a network of peers in the West of England who share your commitment to creating social and environmental impact.
Best of all, it’s free. As a fully funded programme, this offers immense value at no cost to you, so there’s nothing holding you back from taking the next step for your organisation.
| Key Benefit | What You’ll Gain |
|---|---|
| Navigate Today’s Challenges | With grants becoming more limited, learn how to ensure your organisation thrives by thinking like a business. Gain skills to adapt, innovate, and grow in a fast-changing environment. |
| A Hands-On Learning Journey | Gain practical insights into business strategy, leadership, marketing, and scaling your impact. Experience growth through study days, action learning sets, and one-on-one mentoring. |
| Local Focus, Tailored Support | Designed specifically for the West of England, our programme provides tailored guidance to address the region’s unique challenges and opportunities for purpose-led organisations. |
| Peer Support & Networking | Connect with like-minded leaders through peer networking and action learning sets. Build valuable relationships and engage in shared problem-solving and long-term collaboration. |
| Business Development Panels & Action Clinics | Get expert advice through business development panels and action clinics designed to help you overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and set your organisation on the path to success. |
| Good Employment Charter | Align your organisation with the Good Employment Charter, promoting fair employment practices. Gain regional recognition and open doors to new partnerships for ethical and sustainable business growth. |
| Carbon Action Plan | Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint by integrating energy efficiency and emissions reduction strategies. Drive sustainable growth with actionable environmental practices. |
“I took away valuable insights, feedback and inspiration which helped me to focus on a more realistic approach, stay positive while not giving up on exploring new ideas which might work in future”
Programme dates
The programme runs from February 2025 – November 2025 and will consist of 4 in-person days held in the West of England and 3 online days taking place on Zoom.
Who should apply?
This programme is for purpose-led organisations operating in the West of England that are ready to scale their impact. To qualify, you must:
- Be located in the West of England (Bristol, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, or South Gloucestershire) and focus on social or environmental impact within the region.
- Be mission-driven: Your organisation should have a clear focus on social or environmental objectives and be looking for opportunities to improve your operations and scale your impact.
- Hold a leadership role: This programme is for leaders with strategic oversight of their organisation, typically founders or senior managers. You must commit to attending the full programme, as group dynamics and peer networking are key to success.
- Meet the organisation criteria:
- Your organisation must have been trading for at least 3 years.
- You should have at least 3 team members (either PAYE staff or regular freelance/contract workers).
Information sessions
Join one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more about the Accelerator Programme, ask questions, and connect with other purpose-led organisations in the area. These sessions will give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about applying.
Dates:
- 1 – 2 pm Tuesday 26th November 2024
Register here - 5 – 6 pm Wednesday 4th December 2024
Register here
How to apply
Simply register interest and we’ll send you everything you need to know about the programme, including application guidance notes, details of the information sessions and a link to the application form.
The application deadline is 12pm on Tuesday 15th January 2025 but we recommend getting your application in as early as possible.