Foundation manages Santander Social Enterprise Development Awards
We are delighted to be working with Santander on the management of its social business award programme in Wales- the winners of which have just been announced
The Social Enterprise Development Awards are part of Santander’s commitment to supporting small businesses in Wales and across the UK. Santander recognise that social enterprises play a vital role in local communities by helping to deliver social regeneration, and the SEDA scheme aims to help those with potential to expand their work.
In Wales, the SEDA programme was supported by the Community Foundation in Wales which has a track record of investing in social business across the country. It convened with the Wales decision-making panel which was made up of expert social entrepreneurs, advisors and business people, who reviewed and analysed over 40 excellent award applications before selecting which social businesses to invest in.
Julie Ashton–Davies, the Foundation’s Philanthropy and Business Manager who co-ordinated the awards programme explained, "The Community Foundation in Wales invests £1.7 million in grants each year in local charities and community groups on behalf of individuals, business and trusts to strengthen local communities and build social and financial capital. Many of our grants support community enterprises and social businesses so it has been a privilege to work for Santander in awarding significant investments to support business growth. A particularly beneficial feature of the SEDA programme is that alongside the prize money, winning social enterprises receive access to support from Santander including mentoring programmes, funding for internships and University business courses and training. We will also support them in assessing their social impact.”
The following social enterprises were awarded between £15,000 and £50,000 each to help them develop their businesses and enhance benefits to their communities through improving social inclusion, supporting training and employment, or creating a greener environment:
In Wales, the SEDA programme was supported by the Community Foundation in Wales which has a track record of investing in social business across the country. It convened with the Wales decision-making panel which was made up of expert social entrepreneurs, advisors and business people, who reviewed and analysed over 40 excellent award applications before selecting which social businesses to invest in.
Julie Ashton–Davies, the Foundation’s Philanthropy and Business Manager who co-ordinated the awards programme explained, "The Community Foundation in Wales invests £1.7 million in grants each year in local charities and community groups on behalf of individuals, business and trusts to strengthen local communities and build social and financial capital. Many of our grants support community enterprises and social businesses so it has been a privilege to work for Santander in awarding significant investments to support business growth. A particularly beneficial feature of the SEDA programme is that alongside the prize money, winning social enterprises receive access to support from Santander including mentoring programmes, funding for internships and University business courses and training. We will also support them in assessing their social impact.”
The following social enterprises were awarded between £15,000 and £50,000 each to help them develop their businesses and enhance benefits to their communities through improving social inclusion, supporting training and employment, or creating a greener environment:
- BRfm,
- DangerPoint,
- Down to Earth Project,
- E-Inclusion Recycling Ltd.,
- Friends of Pedal Power Project Ltd,
- Green Valleys CIC,
- Reseiclo Community Wood Recycling,
- Ten green Bottles Powys CIC.