Social Entrepreneurs in North East England Invited to Apply for Investment Readiness Programme
The Boost Invest programme helps social entrepreneurs in North East England prepare to secure investment for growth. Applications are now open.
A new investment readiness programme, Boost Invest, is now open for applications. It helps social entrepreneurs prepare to secure investment for growth.
Supported by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and delivered by Firstport, Boost Invest offers a tailored business support programme. It features on-demand workshops, peer group sessions, and one-to-one professional expertise. Entrepreneurs who have completed the programme will have the opportunity to pitch for investment from a dedicated funding pot.
Social enterprises operate like traditional businesses but reinvest profits to create positive social impact. This dual mission can make securing finance more challenging. Boost Invest supports social enterprises by enhancing their business and investment readiness and connecting them with suitable investors to help scale their impact.
The programme will run three intakes over the coming year, each providing an intensive eight-week period of training, expert advice, and peer support.
The first intake is now open for applications. To qualify, social entrepreneurs must have a trading history, growth ambitions, and not have previously secured investment. In addition, applicants must have received funding or business support from the Social Enterprise Boost Fund in Sunderland, South Tyneside, or Durham.
Emily McDonald, Firstport’s Investment Readiness Programme Manager, said:
Having delivered the Social Enterprise Boost Fund (SEBF) for the last couple of years we know the North East of England has an abundance of dynamic social entrepreneurs making a tangible difference in their communities. We are excited to be supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery with funding from Postcode Innovation Trust to deliver Boost Invest and offer a perfect next step for entrepreneurs who have benefited from the SEBF and are now ready to scale their impact.
The deadline for the first intake is approaching fast, so we encourage interested entrepreneurs to apply early.
For more information and to apply, visit the Boost Invest webpage. The deadline for the first cohort intake is Monday 7 July 2025.
