UnLtd: Solutions for an Ageing Society Programme (Cash Awards £5,000 to £20,000)
Call for social entrepreneurs to help people age well: UnLtd launches Solutions for an Ageing Society Programme, with support from the Coutts Foundation
UnLtd is starting a new pilot venture this month, with support from the Coutts Foundation, which will help deal with the challenges faced by an ageing population and includes harnessing the experience, expertise and creativity of older people.
The Solutions for an Ageing Society Awards Programme will offer strategic support and cash awards from £5,000 to £20,000 to 19 social entrepreneurs who tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by a growing ageing population.
UnLtd and the Coutts Foundation believe radical new approaches are needed to address the challenges and opportunities associated with our ageing population, including poverty and disadvantage. The programme is looking for great people with great ideas that will really make a difference to the lives of older people, and is open to applicants from across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The Solutions for an Ageing Society Awards Programme will offer:
- A cash award, from £5,000 to £20,000 depending on the stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
- Access to expert advisors and pro bono professionals who are familiar with challenges facing older people and the social care sector.
- Support from an Award Manager who can help you to develop or grow your venture
- Access to business support and powerful connections.
- Peer-to-peer networking and support from experienced entrepreneurs.
The cash award will depend on the stage of the entrepreneurial journey of the applicant. Whether starting out or scaling up, UnLtd and the Coutts Foundation have a range of awards for every stage.
Deadlines for Expressions of Interest:
- Do It (up to £5,000) and Build It (up to £15,000) awards – 24 April 2015.
- Fast Growth awards (up to £20,000) – 16 February 2015.
To find out more, please download and read our prospectus at unltd.org.uk/coutts-foundation/ then complete the Expression of Interest form at unltd.org.uk/expression-of-interest
“Put simply, we’re looking for people who have ideas that will help people age well,” said Cliff Prior, chief executive of UnLtd; “It also helps if they tap into the talents of older people and give them the chance to be active through work, leisure and volunteering opportunities.” “The increasing size of the older population requires us to think differently about ageing – the implications will affect every part of our lives, across generations. We know there are people in the UK who are passionate about this issue and who have the talent and determination to come up with new, sustainable ventures creating the social impact we need.”
The Solutions for an Ageing Society Awards Programme is a UK pilot about supporting social entrepreneurs to go from idea to business start-up, to develop their project further or grow to scale. It will take ideas and projects for issues associated with an ageing society to the next stage of their journey.
Ian Ewart, trustee of the Coutts Foundation and Managing Director, Products, Services and Marketing at Coutts said: “The Coutts Foundation actively champions entrepreneurial approaches to tackle present and future challenges associated with poverty in the communities where Coutts has a presence. We are delighted to support UnLtd’s Solutions for an Ageing Society Awards Programme. To help make the programme a success, we also look forward to drawing on the expertise of our staff and, where appropriate, clients, many of whom are successful entrepreneurs themselves.”
About UnLtd
UnLtd is the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in the UK and offers the largest such network in the world. We resource over 1,000 individuals each year through our core Awards programmes which impact many tens of thousands more. We operate a unique model by investing directly in the individual and provide a package of resources; from funding to ongoing advice, networking and practical support. UnLtd is the trading name for The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs, a company limited by guarantee. Company no. 4180639. Registered Charity no. 1090393.
About the Coutts Foundation
The Coutts Foundation is an independent charity established in 2013. Its mission is to support sustainable approaches to tackle the causes and consequences of poverty, focusing on the communities where Coutts has a presence. Coutts has a long history of supporting the community and the Foundation will extend and amplify these values.
