School of Business
Programme history
Growth Accelerator for Social Entrepreneurs (October 2023 - March 2026)
The Growth Accelerator for Social Entrepreneurs programme supported social enterprises, charities, CICs and community organisations in Leicester to remain in business, grow sustainably and increase their impact. It was delivered between October 2023 and March 2026 by the University of Leicester School of Business, in partnership with local sector experts Community Enterprise Engine and CASE (Co-operative and Social Enterprise Development Agency), courtesy of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) via Leicester City Council. The programme responded to strong demand within the city’s social economy, with participation and engagement exceeding expectations throughout delivery.
Programme reach and participation
The Growth Accelerator supported a large and diverse group of city-wide organisations at varying stages of development.
- Over 100 engaged with intensive 1:1 business consultancy support and advice
- Strong uptake of peer support, in person event attendance and structured learning
- A consistent pipeline of organisations often exceeded business advisor capacity
- Continued engagement through themed masterclasses and sector relevant events
Participants included early-stage community groups, newly formed social enterprises and well-established charities, reflecting the breadth of the local VCSE sector.
The programme combined several interlinked elements designed to support long-term organisational development and build confidence.
The approach
Tailored 1:1 support
Participants received bespoke support from a dedicated advisor. This was aligned to their challenges or priorities and included:
- governance and legal structures
- strategy and growth planning
- income diversification and investment readiness
- market development and operational resilience
This approach enabled participants to focus on future-planning and make meaningful, structural changes to support sustainable growth within their organisations.
Peer Growth Circles
A central feature of the programme was a calendar of facilitated meetings, providing opportunities for participants to come together and share their past experiences, what they had learned and the solutions they had found. Through reflecting on their progress and challenges, participants felt less alone in leading their enterprise. While many circles featured themed training and targeted activities, others evolved into increasingly peer-led and collaborative spaces.
Learning and masterclasses
A programme of in-person masterclasses and online learning support personal and organisational development in areas including:
- strategic planning and business modelling
- financial planning and business intelligence
- marketing and growth
- leadership and implementation
Masterclasses and online resources were all designed to be practical and could be used with team members and governance.
Social hackathons and collaboration
Quarterly hackathons in 2025-26 bought together an organisation, School of Business academic colleagues and sector partners to bring their insight and develop solutions to a pre-defined challenge. The success of these events led to co-designed strategies and business plans, new partnerships and advisory structures, and clear pathways for growth and sustainability.
Investment readiness and funding
The programme supported our local social entrepreneurs to strengthen their financial sustainability through access to an annual Social Investment Funding Fair, engagement with funders and investors, providing training on how to develop a value proposition, and tips on drafting funding applications. The Funding Fair became a key feature of the local VCSE landscape, consistently attracting over 100 attendees from regional social enterprises, CICs, and charities, as well as funder and support organisations.
Key outputs and outcomes
The Growth Accelerator delivered a wide range of measureable and sustained outcomes across the funded programme's duration.
Organisational development
- Stronger governance and legal structures
- Formation of new social enterprises
- Improved strategic planning and organisational resilience
Economic input
- Jobs created and safeguarded
- Increased financial sustainability and income diversification
- Access to new markets and opportunities
Innovation and growth
- New and improved products and services
- Adoption of new technologies and approaches
- Increased productivity and skills
- Personal and organisational development
Outcomes continue to emerge beyond the end of the funded period, reflecting a much more significant and enduring longer-term impact.
Sustainability and social value
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations and sustainability were embedded within the programme. Participating organisations were supported to strengthen their approach to social and environmental impact, engage with Net Zero and sustainability initiatives and align growth with long-term social value. This knowledge supports more robust funding applications, partnerships and organisational resilience.
Partnerships and wider impact
The programme was delivered through a strong partnership between the University of Leicester School of Business, Community Enterprise Engine and CASE. This approach undoubtedly strengthened connections across the local ecosystem, linked into the wider network including Voluntary Action LeicesterShire and East Midlands Chamber and enabled cross-sector collaboration.
Establishing legacy
At the close of the funded programme in March 2026, the Growth Accelerator team were pleased to establish a solid and sustainable legacy, including continued Peer Growth Circles, ongoing access to digital resources, podcasts and learning, annual Social Investment Funding Fair. Demand for the programme remained high throughout the programme, demonstrating its ongoing relevance and value.
What we currently offer
The Growth Accelerator now continues as an open, community-focused offer for the wider VCSE sector beyond the city of Leicester, providing access to practical support, shared learning and collaborative opportunities. Read how you can get involved.
To get involved and join our community, email ulsb.business@le.ac.uk or call us on 0116 252 2167.