SEGA Programme Achieves Milestone Success: Celebrating Impact and Paving the Way Forward

22nd November 2024

The Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) programme has proudly surpassed its ambitious participants target, reaching this milestone four months ahead of schedule.

The Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) programme has proudly surpassed its ambitious participants target, reaching this milestone four months ahead of schedule. This success reflects the SEGA’ delivery partner’s dedication to empowering Social Entrepreneurs and fostering transformative change across Sheffield.

While the programme is now closed to new applications, its transformative impact will continue to inspire progress and foster innovation across Sheffield and beyond.

The SEGA programme is receiving an extraordinary response, engaging Social Entrepreneurs from across diverse sectors and various stages of their journeys. This enthusiasm highlights Sheffield’s vibrant spirit of innovation and its emergence as a leading hub for Social Enterprise excellence.

All registered participants continue to receive the full benefits of the current programme until the scheduled conclusion at the end of March 2025.

A range of complementary support is also still available to local Social Entrepreneurs who aren’t SEGA programme participants.

The Sheffield Social Enterprise Network (SSEN) remains unwavering in its commitment to Sheffield’s Social Enterprise community, through agreeing to the provision of free services for Social Entrepreneurs not part of SEGA.

These include incorporation advice, tailored development plans, and comprehensive diagnostic sessions. Additionally, its popular masterclasses, networking events, and expert-developed YouTube learning content will remain free or heavily subsidised to local non-SEGA participants. To find out more about the support on offer email the team at SSEN at hello@ssen.org.uk.

The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), a proud SEGA delivery partner, is delighted to expand its commitment to local Social Enterprises.

SEGA participants will benefit from a substantial discount on SCCI membership renewals when their annual memberships, fully funded through SEGA, expire in 2025, ensuring continued access to essential support systems.

SCCI member benefits include access to essential HR, legal, health and safety resources; employee benefits, workshops and opportunities for networking. To learn more about these exciting opportunities, contact the SCCI membership team on membership@scci.org.uk or 0114 201 8888.

South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, another key delivery partner which administers the SEGA grant programme, has announced a final application deadline of 9am on Monday, December 2, 2024, with the majority of the grant funds already allocated. Details about how to apply for the grant can be found here.

Business Sheffield, who are represented on the SEGA steering committee, will also continue to provide a range of full-funded support for all businesses, including Social Entrepreneurs.

The Business Sheffield team is made up of a wide array of specialists who you can speak to directly to get support, advice and help. Call their team on 0114 224 5000 or email businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk and they will guide you through to the right advisor.

Our impactful programme, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and commissioned by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority via Sheffield City Council, underscores the importance of investing in Social Enterprise.

The central government’s decision to extend UKSPF funding for another year is encouraging. However, the significant 40% funding reduction underscores an urgent need for renewed investment to sustain and expand the transformative impact of Social Entrepreneurship.

As we look ahead, we are working closely with key city stakeholders to secure additional funding opportunities, including the UKSPF, beyond March 2025. These efforts are essential to ensure Sheffield’s Social Enterprise sector remains a driving force in tackling critical social and environmental challenges.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who is contributing to SEGA’s extraordinary success, especially the visionary Social Enterprises whose passion, creativity and innovation are driving transformative change across our communities.

In the coming weeks, we will spotlight these inspiring organisations, celebrating their achievements by showcasing how Social Enterprise is building a fairer, more resilient Sheffield poised to address global challenges.

We urge all stakeholders, partners, and community members to join us in championing the development of Social Enterprise, ensuring Sheffield continues to lead in driving meaningful social and economic transformation.

Let us build on SEGA’s momentum to create a thriving ecosystem where Social Enterprises spearhead innovation, champion inclusion, and foster resilience for a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

This milestone is only the beginning. With our collective support, we can ensure Social Enterprises remain at the heart of Sheffield’s progress, building a legacy of impact for generations to come.