Guinness launches social entrepreneurship programme
The makers of Guinness are introducing a social entrepreneurship programme to the UK, inviting people with a business head and a social heart who are aged between 25 and 35 to enter the Bring It To Life Awards.
The Awards, with UnLtd and Rathbone, will work with people who have a brilliant urban regeneration idea that makes a positive difference to their local community and provide recipients with the support, skills and funding to create positive social ventures. The Guinness Bring it to Life Awards honour Arthur Guinness’ commitment to supporting local communities and his philosophy ‘from one to many’.
Two levels of Award are available for entrepreneurs. 13 Catalyst Awards, each worth up to £2,200, are available for those who need the running costs to get their idea off the ground and 6 Development Awards, worth up to £15,000 each, are available for established social entrepreneurs to get their ventures fully operational. Applicants can apply for an award at unltd.org.uk/guinness-bring-it-to-life-awards/ from 27 May and the deadline for entries is 23 July.
Initiatives need to be new or for an existing idea delivered in a new way, which incorporates social and/or environmental aims. From setting up sports club for people on low incomes who may not be able to afford membership fees and kits, to creating support networks with benefits for people who have lost loved ones, every viable idea will be considered.
The unique relationship between UnLtd, the world's largest provider of support to social entrepreneurs and Rathbone, a UK-wide voluntary organisation, offers applicants a combined set of knowledge, experience and skills they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to access.
Winners will receive a Guinness Bring It To Life Award through UnLtd who will provide development support, and in addition winners will have access to funding, training and volunteer support from Rathbone and Diageo Great Britain to bring the social venture to life. Award recipients will receive continual mentoring throughout the programme and support in financial management, training and the vocational skills needed to deliver a successful venture and make a positive difference to communities across the UK.
The Guinness Bring It Life Awards are part of the The Arthur Guinness Fund, a global fund from Guinness & Co, born out of Guinness’ 250th celebrations last year, donating €6 million to support programmes and projects around the world that enable and empower people with the skills and opportunities to deliver a measurable benefit to their community.
Paul Cornell, Marketing Manager for Guinness said: “The Guinness Bring It Life Awards with UnLtd and Rathbone aim to help people realise their passions by providing them with the tools and support to really make things happen. The Awards bring to life the philanthropic legacy of Arthur Guinness and aim to have a long term positive impact on thousands of people in local communities across Britain.”
Victoria Anderson, Director of Programmes at UnLtd comments: “At a time of great economic and social pressure, we need social entrepreneurs and volunteers more than ever. There are thousands of people in the UK with great ideas, who are passionate about making a positive difference to their local community. We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Diageo and Rathbone to provide local people who wouldn’t usually have this opportunity with the funds, skills and learning opportunities they need to influence change in their community.”
Applications can be made at unltd.org.uk/guinness-bring-it-to-life-awards/ and the closing date for entries is 23 July. See the website for full terms and conditions.
