Who we are

What matters most is that your application is a true reflection of you and your business, that it showcases your strengths, vision and aspirations. Remember, this is your chance to paint a vivid picture of your venture and its potential impact. Be authentic, compelling, and convey your passion.

The 3 key things we will be looking for at all times are demonstratable impact, the potential for a sustainable business and the founders ambition and capability of executing on this.

You can choose to present your social enterprise in either a business plan of no more than 1500 words or a 7 slide pitch deck placing equal emphasis on each of the sections below.

Business Summary – Provide a brief overview of your venture. Tell us what it does and the impact it aims to achieve.

Vision Statement – Articulate your vision for both social and business objectives.

Problem and solution – Dive into the problem you’re addressing, both from an impact and market perspective Describe your solution and why it’s effective.

The People – Introduce you and your team. Share why you’re passionate about this area of social impact, highlight your skills and why you’re the perfect team to deliver this solution.

Market Analysis – Tell us about your target customers, the market size and outline any plans for scaling beyond local markets.

Growth Strategy – Detail your plans for growth. What’s happening in the market landscape and how do you fit into or disrupt it? Highlight what makes your approach unique and most importantly, tell us your big ambitions.

Financial Performance – Provide insights into your financial performance and revenue model. If you are revenue generating, share your financial milestone. For those pre revenue or grant-funded, outline your pathways to sustainability.

Please submit a 12 month cash flow projection. You are welcome to use a template for this. The most important thing we’re looking for here is the viability of the business model and your plans for sustainability.

This is a way for us to get to know the entrepreneur behind the business so tell us about you. What’s your story, how did the business come to be and what’s your ambition for the future?

We want to hear your story.

We’re not looking for flashy edits, what matters most here is the content. We value authenticity and personal connections so focus on conveying your passion, product and vision.

Your pitch should be no more than 5 minutes and a simple recording on your mobile device will do. Anything beyond this won’t be viewed in the screening process so make every second count.

You can upload your video to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo or Google and share this as a private link.

It doesn’t matter if content overlaps with your written submission, this is just a way for you to get to know you.

Does the founder possess the insight and determination to effectively tackle the identified challenge?

Are the team members equipped with the skills and dedication to deliver successfully?

Is there a verified understanding of the social problem within the team?

Are there any strategies in place to address any identified skills gaps?

Are the team fully committed to solving the identified problem?

Is the business model sustainable?

Is it less than 50% reliant on grants, or does it have a clear path to self-sustainability?

Is the product or service not only desirable but also feasible and viable in the long run?

Can it be scaled effectively to maximise impact?

Is the social enterprise guided by a bold and ambitious vision?

Is the Approach innovative and supported by date?

Does it cater to significant social and business market demand?

Applications open in April.

Read an understand all of our criteria. You can reach out to your university enterprise department for support or seek advice if you need.

Submit your written application, compelling 5 minute video itch and financial projections via our online application form.

Complete this with precision, care and passion.

All applications will be assessed by four judges including representatives from the Ford Family Foundation and independent industry experts.

Judges will screen according to the provided criteria and will meet to evaluate, confer and confirm on advancing applications.

This will be a collaborative process involving judges with diverse perspectives and who have both commercial and social impact backgrounds.

Look out for the announcements of our screening panel over the coming weeks.

Our advancing finalists will be notified directly and publicly announced to celebrate their achievement.

Once progressing to the next stage, our finalists will be given detailed information on the final, what to expect and access to our pre event support.

At this stage, there will be a requirement to provide a comprehensive business plan, impact report and financial projections to judges ahead of the final. Finalists will be clearly guided through this requirement. Applicants will also be subject to a due diligence check ahead of the final so that we are able to confidently provide funding on the night.

Prior to the live final, all finalists will be provided with one group pitching workshop and an individual coaching session from a leading sector expert so that you’re pitch perfect on the night.

Alongside this, you’ll get access to an IP session and professional advice to keep your ideas protected.

Our Social Entrepreneurs will take centre stage at The Shard, presenting their social ventures in front of a live audience and esteemed judging panel for a shot at the top prize of £20,000 in grant funding.

Finalists will present a 10 minute pitch followed by judges Q&A’s to a live audience of influential and sector leading guests.

Winners will be announced on the night with all finalists walking away with a cash prize.

There will be an opportunity to enjoy a networking reception, connecting with peers and industry professionals along with a thought provoking panel and keynote speaker. Watch this space for details!

Following the evenings celebration, we will want to support all winners with mentorship to help the founders scale and bring their impact to life. We welcome our inaugural cohort to become part of our brand new Ignite Alumni Network, kickstarting a supportive community of vibrant social impact founders.