The Programme

Big Venture Challenge

Big Venture Challenge is a national programme to support 25 ambitious entrepreneurs in England who want investment to deliver social impact at scale (the competition is now closed to applicants). Based on our experience of working with social entrepreneurs since 2003, we have designed a unique package of financial and non-financial support to help the 25 achieve their goals.

What do the winners get?

We know that it takes support, access to the right contacts and flexible finance to grow a business. So we have designed the Big Venture Challenge with that intent, combining financial and non-financial support to help the 25 winners succeed.

Financial Support:
The 25 Big Venture Challenge Award Winners receive:

  • an initial £25K grant
  • the chance to apply for a £50K grant if you can match this with £50K loan / equity investment
  • the chance to apply for a £100K grant if you can match this with £100K loan / equity investment

Timeline

Non-financial support:
Each of the selected 25 has access to an intensive programme of non-financial support including:

  • A dedicated Ventures Advisor to help you tailor your one-to-one support programme 
  • Access to a pro bono lawyer
  • Access to a pro bono financial specialist
  • Access to a pro bono mentor who will be a successful high growth entrepreneur
  • Access to a PR team
  • Bootcamps on relevant topics (eg. leadership, building a team, sales & marketing)
  • Access to a network of Super Connectors to help you build wider relationships

This is also a great opportunity to be part of a network of other Big Venture Challenge winners.