Smethwick Church Action Network, UnLtd and Sandwell Council have joined forces to offer two special awards to support innovative social entrepreneurs living and working in Smethwick.

Smethwick CAN is a joint response from local churches to tackle poverty, increase aspiration and provide opportunities and support for the most vulnerable people in the region. UnLtd is the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in the UK. It invests directly in individuals and offers a complete package of resources, from awards of funding to ongoing advice, networking and practical support.

The awards on offer are the TRY IT awards and the DO IT awards. TRY IT awards offer funding of £500 for small scale ventures aiming to improve the local area. This could include pilot projects designed to lead to larger scale endeavours in the future. The DO IT awards are grants of up to £5,000 for bigger schemes. Both awards also come with one-to-one support to develop the idea, help with budgeting and opportunities to network and develop skills.

The aim of the awards is to support innovative ideas that tackle important social issues and that benefit people in Smethwick and beyond. Applicants must live, work or volunteer in Smethwick, or have a special connection to the borough. They must be passionate about improving the community, gaining skills and have a great idea that just needs a little help to make it happen. People wishing to apply will need to demonstrate that already have some project planning in place and that they have the energy and skills to take it forward.

To apply for an award please request an application form by emailing emile_lafon@sandwell.gov.uk or calling 0121 569 4662. The closing date for completed applications is Friday 8 July 2016. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their ideas to a panel at a pitching event on Wednesday 13 July.

If you are interested in setting up your own enterprise, why not attend a British Academy of Management’s ‘Entrepreneurship Workshop’ on Wednesday 23 June? Visit our Events page for more details, or visit our Business Services pages to find out what Think Sandwell can do for you.