Charities, social enterprises and community organisations considering social investment can apply for the Social Investment Gateway Programme.
Delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, with support from Access – The Foundation for Social Investment, this free 12-month programme helps organisations strengthen their trading activity, build investment readiness and prepare for future growth.
Participants will receive tailored learning, peer coaching, expert advice, investment surgeries and opportunities to connect with social investors. Organisations may also be able to access a Match Trading™ grant of up to £18,000 or a repayable grant of up to £24,000.
Who can apply
The programme is open to charities, social enterprises and community organisations based in England that:
- have applied for, or are planning to apply for, social investment, usually within the next three years
- have an active trading model, with plans to grow over the next year
- need support to become ready for social investment, such as with market development, pricing and sales, financial strategy, systems, governance, impact or risk
- have an annual income above £100,000
Organisations with income below £100,000 may still be able to discuss applying if they have a strong trading model ready to grow.
What you can get
Successful applicants will receive fully-funded support over 12 months, including:
- tailored learning sessions
- peer coaching
- business support panels
- social investment insight and connections
- investment surgery sessions
- expert support around trading, finance, governance, impact and risk
There is also the opportunity to apply for either:
- a Match Trading™ grant of up to £18,000
- a repayable grant of up to £24,000
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by noon on Friday 17 July 2026.
Key notes
Registering your interest is the first step. SSE will then send programme guidance notes and the application form.
The programme is aimed at organisations that want to grow their trading income and build the confidence, capacity and credibility to take on social investment in the future.
Find out more and apply
Visit the School for Social Entrepreneurs website and search for Social Investment Gateway Programme.