*This Programme is now closed to new applicants*

Purpose of the programme

This programme is to provide Business Support to assist social enterprises, and those organisations and individuals that are developing social enterprises, in the Maldon District by supporting and enhancing growth, resilience and transformation after the Covid pandemic.

This programme will fund activities that support the economic, social and cultural life in the Maldon District. This programme will also support the development of a resilient social economy to deliver activities that either directly benefit local people and communities and/or contribute towards the District’s Climate Action Strategy.

The programme consists of:

  • A Grant programme – CLOSED to new applicants
  • On-going development support – for those successful in their bids
  • Networking

Organisations could be eligible for other support even if they are unsuccessful in bidding for grant funding.

With ongoing support from Social Enterprise East of England up to end of March 2023, we intend that the organisations supported by this programme will continue to work together and draw strength from each other in a local social enterprise network, linked to wider District networks.

Delivery period

If your project is successful, you will receive the funding before the end of March 2022.  Applicants will be expected to submit a progress report by end of May 2022.


Who is the programme for?

The Accelerator Fund offered one-off grants and business support to help businesses to grow in 2022 and beyond.

Applicants had to demonstrate they fitted one of these categories:

TypeDescription
Social enterpriseAn organisation that earns 50% or more of its income through trading, is registered/incorporated, has its social values written into its constitution, its surpluses and assets are used to support the social purpose and there is an asset lock.  Social enterprises include co-operatives, community businesses and trading businesses owned by charities.
Professional voluntary organisationA registered charity but earns some income or wants to develop sustainable trading activities. Has paid staff and the majority of its income is from grants and service level agreements.
Community organisationMight have a constitution as an unincorporated association or be a charity, mostly dependent on volunteers and derives its income from small grants, donations and fees
Social entrepreneurMight be constituted as a Community Interest Company or Company Limited by Guarantee, but might also be a sole trader, could be trading but also seeking grant money.  Will have a social purpose.
Traditional business with corporate social responsibilityMany privately owned businesses do good things in their communities.  To be eligible for this fund, if you are not one of the business types described above, the business must have a written CSR policy and be able to show how the money will be spent only on the social activities proposed.
Town and Parish CouncilsAre eligible to apply to the Social Enterprise Accelerator Programme if within the Maldon District local authority area.

Grants for this Programme are now closed

  • Grants of up to £5,000: deadline for applications was 28th February 2022
  • Grants between £5,001 and up to £50,000: deadline for applications was 15th March 2022

APPEALS: If you have been refused funding the Council will operate an internal review process and will accept an applicant’s request for a review of its decision. All such requests must be made in writing to the Council within 5 working days of the Council’s decision. See full details in the policy below.

Download the Eligibility criteria guidance notes here

Please read and download a copy of the Privacy Notice for this Programme

Download the Social Enterprise Accelerator Fund policy


SEEE is delighted to be partnering Maldon District Council to deliver this accelerator programme for social enterprises. The funding recognises the exciting and innovative way social enterprises have responded to societal challenges caused by the pandemic and comes at a time when the demand for services the sector is providing has never been greater. This, together with the support we will be providing not just to those awarded the funding but to other social enterprises in the district, has the potential to really make a difference for local people.

Debbie Lee, Managing Director, SEEE

If you have any questions about the Programme please email Deb Lee, Managing Director of SEEE by emailing deb.lee@seee.co.uk