School for Social Entrepreneurs - Social Investment Gateway Programme
Background
The Social Investment Gateway Programme is led by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) and supported by Access – The Foundation for Social Investment. It is designed for organisations that are thinking about taking on social investment but need support on their journey towards readiness. The programme is built in partnership with expert organisations — Voice4Change England, Inclusion Unlimited, and Consortium — to ensure it is inclusive and culturally responsive, particularly for Black and minoritised communities, d/Deaf and disabled people, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Objectives of Fund
The programme aims to help organisations strengthen their trading activity, grow their income, and prepare to apply for and manage social investment with confidence. It provides practical support to build organisational resilience and investment readiness.
Value Notes
Participants receive a fully-funded 12-month support programme, which includes:
- Initial diagnostic support.
- 9 cohort-based learning sessions (online and face-to-face).
- Business Support Panels with expert advice.
- Social investment insight and connections, including investor surgery sessions.
- Peer coaching.
There are two types of grant available (choose one):
- Match Trading™ Grant of up to £18,000 — drawn down in five instalments over 12 months as trading income increases.
- Repayable grant of up to £24,000 (average around £22,000) — a pilot scheme sharing risk, with 10 available across both rounds.
Both grants are flexible and designed to help invest in and grow trading activity.
Who Can Apply
Eligible organisations must:
- Have applied for or be planning to apply for social investment in the next 3 years.
- Have a trading model with plans to grow over the next year.
- Need additional support to be investment ready (e.g. market development, financial strategy, governance, impact measurement).
- Have an annual income above £100,000 and an active trading model. If income is below £100,000 but the trading model is strong, contact SSE to discuss.
Applications are encouraged from groups led by and for Black and minoritised communities, d/Deaf and disabled people, women, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Location
England.
Eligible Expenditure
Grants can be used flexibly to invest in and grow trading activity. This can include vehicles, buildings, or large items of equipment (evidence of purchase and insurance required; an asset register is retained for 5 years).
Restrictions
SSE and programme partners will discuss eligibility and suitability as part of the application process. Full details are in the programme guidance notes.
How To Apply
Step 1: Register your interest on the SSE website to receive the programme guidance notes and application form. Registering interest does not mean you have applied.
Deadline: 17 July 2026.
Information sessions: Two webinars are available to find out more and ask questions:
- 24 June 2026, 2pm
- 6 July 2026, 11am
The programme runs from 11 November 2026 to 21 October 2027.
