Applications now open! Begin your Ignite journey by submitting your application today.
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 three 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.
Problem and Opportunity –
Describe the real-world issue your venture addresses. Why does this problem exist? Who does it affect, and how serious is the impact?
Back it up with facts, lived experience, or insights from your community. Explain why now is the right time to act and what opportunity lies in solving this problem.
Solution and Product or Service –
What are you building to tackle the problem? Describe your product, service, platform or programme clearly.
Show how it works, how it solves the issue you’ve outlined, and what makes it unique or more effective than alternatives. Highlight any innovation, research, or co-design involved.
Target Market and Impact –
Who is your target audience? Be clear on who benefits (users, customers, community) and how you reach them.
Outline your social or environmental outcomes — what changes as a result of your work? If possible, include early impact data, testimonials, or expected outcomes using a Theory of Change or SDG alignment.
Business Model and Revenue Streams –
How will your venture make money and stay financially viable?
Identify key revenue sources — e.g. product sales, service fees, subscription models, B2B contracts, or other earned income. If you’re grant-dependent now, show how you’ll transition to at least 50% traded income within 3 years.
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.
Team and Governance –
Who’s behind the venture and what makes you qualified to lead it?
Share your backgrounds, roles, and relevant experience. Mention advisors or mentors if helpful. If you’re early-stage, show awareness of skills gaps and how you plan to fill them.
Describe your legal structure and any features that lock in your social mission (e.g. CIC, asset lock, board structure).
Traction –
What have you achieved so far that shows this works or could work?
Examples: Early customers or users, Partnerships, Grant/funding received, Positive testimonials or reviews or Results from pilots or MVP tests
This helps us understand your momentum, even if you’re just getting started.
Financial Plan –
Provide a summary of your financial strategy, not just your numbers.
You should explain:
Your revenue model (how money comes in)
Key cost drivers (what your major expenses are)
Expected growth in income and how it relates to impact
How you’ll use the Ignite funding strategically
Any fundraising or investment plans on the horizon
This section is about giving us confidence in your approach, even if you’re pre-revenue.
Vision and Scalability
What’s your long-term vision? Where could this go with the right support?
We’re looking for ventures that can grow — in reach, depth of impact, or both. Show how your idea could be expanded geographically, through partnerships, or with tech.
If you’ve thought about policy change, systems influence, or impact at scale, tell us.