Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator

We want to work with Sheffield based social enterprises at all stages of growth to help them thrive.

Sheffield Social Enterprise Network has developed the new Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator, which will aim to create at least 30 new social enterprises.

It will also provide expert advice and support to a minimum of 100 established social enterprises in the city.

Sheffield City Council (SCC) has commissioned the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network (SSEN) to create the Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA).

In partnership with Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the South Yorkshire Community Foundation (SYCF), the programme provides specialist business support and advice for social enterprises in Sheffield. 


  • Are you nurturing a new social business idea but need help to get started?
  • Want to access some seed funding for a new venture?
  • Are you growing an existing enterprise but need support with governance, strategy or finance? 
  • Do you want to be part of a supportive network of values led entrepreneurs?

Yes? Call our Membership Hub on 0114 201 8888 (option 7) between 9am and 5pm (Monday to Friday). 

Once we receive a referral you’ll be invited to attend a discovery call with one of our business advisors. They’ll talk to you about your enterprise, assess your eligibility for the programme and work with you to identify a tailored package of support. This may include any or all of the following:

  • A year of Social Enterprise membership with the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Specialist support from a choice of dedicated social enterprise advisors
  • Peer networking, mentoring and action learning sets
  • A £1,000 growth grant
  • Up to six business networking and peer learning events every month

Sound good? Refer yourself to SEGA today by calling the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Membership Hub on 0114 201 8888 to have a friendly chat about how we can support you.

Not sure yet? Read our frequently asked questions below for more information or contact the Sheffield Chamber team on 0114 201 8888 for an informal chat to talk through your options. Alternatively, email sega@scci.org.uk


Frequently Asked Questions

What is a social enterprise? Can I access the SEGA programme?

We will align with the Social Enterprise UK definition of a social enterprise. To access the programme your planned or existing venture must: 

  • Have a clear social or environmental mission 
  • Intend to earn more than half of its income through trading
  • Re-invest or donate at least half of its profits 
  • Be transparent in the way they operate and the impact they have

Can I apply to the programme online?

Currently we are only able to accept referrals by telephone. Please call the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Membership Hub on 0114 201 8888 between 9am and 5pm (Monday to Friday).

Who are the programme partners?

SEGA is funded by Sheffield City Council as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The programme is led by Sheffield Social Enterprise Network and delivered in partnership with Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry and South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation. 

We are also working closely with Voluntary Action Sheffield, Key Fund, the School for Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprise UK.

What benefits can I access through the programme?

Both Sheffield Social Enterprise Network and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry are membership organisations and when accepted onto the programme all social enterprises will get access to all our membership benefits for free for one year. 

Benefits include: health and safety, tax and VAT support; access to five business advice lines; over 750 free business documents and a 24/7 HR and Legal helpline. 

Who are the advisors?

We have brought together a team of specialist business advisors all with significant lived experience in Social Enterprise leadership:

  • Shahida Siddique, FaithStar
  • Morgan Killick, Level Up Solutions
  • Mark Smith, Make Your Mark UK
  • Fran Ferris-Ockwell, Mantle
  • Jodie Marshall, Mantle
  • Kris Mackay, Growing Circles. 

As well as being a friendly bunch, these specialists demonstrate extensive expertise in the areas local social enterprises tell us they need; 

  • access to finance
  • business planning 
  • strategy 
  • organisational development 
  • sales and marketing 
  • social value
  • impact measurement 
  • social inclusion 
  • asset-based community development 
  • mentoring
  • coaching 

Click here to read more about our advisors

Is the programme prescriptive?

We will not offer a prescriptive programme which channels businesses into standardised courses or to receive specific hours of delivery support, but the budget allows for flexible business support tailored to the needs of each business. Applicants will be able to self-select their consultants based on both need and preference. Support may be offered in-person, online, individually or in groups.

What about the business growth grants?

Social enterprises signed up to the programme will all have the opportunity to apply for a match-funded grant of up to £1,000 from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

What are the opportunities for networking?

Sheffield Social Enterprise Network and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry have well established programmes of business networking and masterclass events. This will enable programme participants to access at least 6 free events each month: both social enterprise specific and intertwined with the wider business sector in Sheffield.  

We will also deliver an annual Sheffield Social Enterprise conference.

What is the peer support programme?

Our peer mentoring and action learning programme will complement this contract, creating the opportunity for social enterprise leaders to work collectively, building networks, capability and capacity to solve leadership issues across organisations.


Ready to sign up?

Call our membership hub 0114 201 8888 (option 7).

Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Alternatively, email sega@scci.org.uk