The West Midlands Social Enterprise Boost Fund (SEBFWestMids) is pleased to announce that we are working with DCMS to kick start and accelerate social enterprise activity in Wolverhampton and Sandwell. The SEB Fund will run from March 2023 – March 2025 across County Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Thanet, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.  

The Fund aims to grow and sustain the social enterprise sector in local areas and to share evidence on the impact of the Fund on social enterprises and local areas. The West Midlands Social Enterprise Boost Fund will offer a range of grants and targeted business support to help new and existing social enterprises start up, scale up and grow, creating positive social and environmental impact. Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: “This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for social enterprises in the West Midlands to access the funding and support they need to grow and thrive. We are committed to building a sustainable and inclusive social economy that benefits everyone, and social enterprises play a crucial role in achieving that goal. It is the WMCA’s aim to double the size of the social economy within the next 10 years – and i-SE and their partners can make a major contribution to that ambition through this programme.”  

Josie Kelly, CEO of Access to Business based in Wolverhampton added “We are delighted to be the Wolverhampton delivery partner in this exciting initiative.  We have a real passion for Social Enterprise growth in our Region and understand the opportunities Social Enterprise can provide in local communities.  Alongside our own staff roles we are also hosting the Project Manager job-share roles in Wolverhampton and we will be working closely with Birmingham and Sandwell colleagues and our Wolverhampton project partner WVCA who will be responsible for managing and distributing the Wolverhampton project grants to successful local Social Enterprises”. 

Ian Darch, CEO of Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action, on hearing the news said: “The projects aim of growing, developing and sustaining social enterprises is a great opportunity for our City and its citizens.  We are really looking forward to delivering this important work with our local partners and to making a really positive impact over the next two years”.  

Cathy Brown, CEO of iSE added: “We are thrilled to be leading the SEBFWestMids partnership in this exciting initiative. We know that social enterprises can create real change in communities across the region, and we are all excited to support them in achieving their goals.” The West Midlands Social Enterprise Boost Fund Programme is now open for expressions of interest. Social enterprises interested in applying can find out more information on the website: http://www.SEBFWestMids.com/ . Contact: info@SEBFWestMids.com Name: Cathy Brown Organisation: iSE or alternatively contact Access to Business direct for further information before applying – 01902 572397 (Paula McHugh/Jim Brennan – Project Managers)