Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator

The Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) is a fully funded business support programme designed to help social enterprises at every stage of development, from early ideas through to established organisations seeking to scale their impact. Delivered as part of Sheffield’s wider business support offer, the programme provides tailored guidance, practical training and access to specialist networks for organisations committed to creating positive social change.

Many social enterprises face challenges in balancing financial sustainability with social impact. Limited resources, governance issues, business planning requirements and difficulties accessing specialist advice can all restrict growth. SEGA has been developed to address these barriers by providing structured support that helps organisations strengthen their operations, increase resilience and develop sustainable income streams.

The programme is aimed at Sheffield-based social enterprises, start-ups developing a social enterprise model, charities looking to diversify their income through trading activities and mission-led businesses seeking to increase their impact. Participants receive personalised support based on their specific needs and growth ambitions, rather than following a fixed programme structure.

Support includes one-to-one advice from experienced social enterprise specialists, peer learning opportunities, networking events and practical workshops covering topics such as business planning, marketing, governance, income generation and measuring social impact. Participants also gain access to valuable connections within Sheffield’s growing social enterprise community, helping them develop partnerships and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

As a fully funded programme, SEGA offers organisations the opportunity to access high-quality business support without financial cost. It is particularly suitable for social enterprises and community-focused organisations that want to strengthen their business model, increase their long-term sustainability and maximise the positive impact they create within their communities.

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