News

July 05, 2011

Social enterprises called on to pitch for £50k fund

Social enterprises can pitch for investment worth up to £50,000, following the launch of incubator programme Village Capital London.

Under the incubator scheme, 16 social entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in Village Capital London’s 12-week programme of workshops focusing on fundraising, marketing and design. The programme will start in September 2011.

The 16 participants will gain the skills needed to attract investment, as well as receiving mentoring and advice from financial experts. Two winning entrepreneurs from the programme will be awarded £50,000 of investment funding each.

Village Capital London is the first programme to run in Hub Venture Labs, a new social venture incubator space created by Merism Capital and Hub Westminster.

“We’re really excited about launching Village Capital London, which will help entrepreneurs with the skills needed to build successful social businesses,” said Merism Capital founder Stephen Rockman.

Applicants must be a founder or permanent employee of a for-profit social business to enter. There is a £20 application fee for social entrepreneurs to register their interest. The fee entitles applicants to attend a series of events in the summer to meet potential investors.

Following this, 16 social enterprises will be selected from the pool of applicants to take part in the 12-week scheme.

• To apply to the programme, visit the Hub Westminster website
• Social enterprises misunderstood by half of people