Reflecting on Social Enterprise Boost: A Celebration of Local Impact
After more than three years of dedicated delivery and social impact, Social Enterprise Boost has reached its conclusion, offering an ideal moment to reflect on its achievements and the powerful role it played in strengthening the region’s social enterprise sector.
Although the lights have dimmed and the party is over, the conclusion of the Social Enterprise Boost (SEB) programme marks a significant milestone for the social economy in Sunderland and South Tyneside. For over three years, this initiative has served as a vital springboard and growth opportunity for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a difference, helping them turn community-focused ideas into sustainable, mission-driven organisations.
At PNE, we were proud to deliver the business support side of the initiative, working together with our partners at Firstport, who expertly managed the programme’s grant funding. This collaborative effort was funded by the UK Government and delivered in close coordination with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). We were also incredibly fortunate to have the local expertise and support of South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council along with many other regional partners who helped ground the programme in the needs of our local communities.
The level of engagement we saw over the last three years really speaks to the desire to create lasting social impact in the North East. At PNE, we welcomed over 550 attendees to our business support workshops, where ideas were shared and new connections were made. Beyond the group sessions, our team hosted over 500 one-to-one support sessions, offering a tailored approach for more than 150 social enterprises. This personalised guidance ensured that whether an entrepreneur was just starting out or looking to grow, they had the practical skills and confidence to build a solid foundation for the future.
Financial support was another key pillar of the programme's success. Over £600,000 in grant funding was awarded to a fantastic variety of social enterprises across both boroughs. Managed by Firstport, these grants allowed grassroots organisations to scale up, create local jobs, and tackle important social issues head-on, from environmental sustainability to community health and wellbeing. This funding didn’t just help social enterprises survive; it gave them the boost they needed to truly thrive and make a lasting difference.
As we celebrate everything achieved through the Social Enterprise Boost, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for the enterprises involved. While this three-year programme has come to an end, the resilience and connections built will continue to drive social impact across our communities and beyond. We are incredibly proud of the social entrepreneurs we’ve met and supported, and we look forward to seeing their businesses continue to grow as the heartbeat of a more inclusive local economy.