Lloyds entrepreneur programme sees increase in applications

A social entrepreneurs programme launched by Lloyds Bank earlier this year has seen an increase in applications.

The Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme, which was created to provide help for start-up companies, has reported a 17 per cent increase in the number of applications received from entrepreneurs in the Liverpool region.

Support

The programme, which has received over 1,000 applications throughout the UK, was launched in February, with taster days being held across Merseyside to enable entrepreneurs to learn about the opportunities on offer. 

According to Lloyds, the taster days helped to generate much interest in the programme, leading to a surge in applications.

The programme offers grants that are provided on behalf of the Big Lottery Fund, including a £4,000 grant for start-ups and a £15,000 grant for the Scale Up Programme.

Budding entrepreneurs also receive a year of training and are assigned a business mentor, whilst companies looking to scale up are provided with support and business mentorship to help them expand.

Impact

Commenting on social enterprise and the success of the scheme, Lloyds Banking Group Regional Ambassador for the North, Nick Williams, said: “The new generation of entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to social enterprise in order to create a positive impact on their communities and we are eager to hear their plans.”

He added that the company is “thrilled” to see an increase in demand in Liverpool for the programme, as this is central to the company’s commitment to “helping Liverpool, and Britain, through its people, businesses and communities, prosper.”