The finance element of Phase 2 (now known as “Money with Management”) has two main strands.

Sustainabilty Grant fund now closed to new applicants

The Money with Management (MwM) Sustainability Grant Fund is no longer open to new applications. The Fund has proven to be very popular and requests for funding have far outweighed the level of grant funding available. Applications will be considered from applicants who have already contacted MSEI or Enablers, and have an application in progress. Applications should be submitted to the MwM Fund Manager at Merseyside Expanding Horizons office to arrive no later than 5pm, 5th April 2005. We will not be able to consider applications that are submitted after this deadline or are submitted incomplete. The Money with Management grants programme is still open for applications from new or start up social enterprises and any interested organisations should contact Alan Johnson (MwM Fund Manager) on 0151-330-0552 or the Enablers on 0151-258-1058 (Weston Spirit Trading) or 0151-284-7728 (Blue Orchid). Full details and an application pack may be downloaded from this website.

The Start Up Fund is, as the name suggests, a resource for social enterprises that are just beginning. It is anticipated that, on the whole, funding will be provided for organisations that have developed business plans and require further assistance to develop ideas, or need a contribution towards set-up costs. So you might want to apply to this fund for money towards, for example, market research, staff costs, concept testing or equipment purchase. The ceiling for grants will be £7000, although awards for larger amounts may be considered in exceptional circumstances, and in certain circumstances smaller amounts may be awarded towards the cost of the business plan itself.

The final deadline for Money with Management Grant Applications has been announced as Friday 7th April. All applications must arrive at the MSEI offices by 12 noon.

Please send to:- Alan Johnson, MSEI,  Merseyside Expanding Horizons, Suite 616-619, Cotton Exchange, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9LQ

The Sustainability Investment Fund will provide grants to social enterprises of up to £60k as part of a total package where a minimum loan element of 25% is expected. Awards will be made on the strength of a business plan and are designed to help organisations develop new income generating activities and become more sustainable.

It is anticipated that funding will provided for organisations that have developed robust Business Plans and clearly demonstrate how the finance requested will assist them to improve sustainability through trading activity.

A Fund Manager has been appointed to manage the funding process, and a Funding Forum has been convened to consider applications.

"Money with Management" is currently considering applications on a rolling programme basis. Forms can be downloaded here in  a Microsoft Word format, if you want to have a look at the requirements.

We would encourage applicants to download forms wherever possible, but if you need a hard copy of the pack posted to you, please contact Alan Johnson by clicking here, or phoning 0151 330 0552.  

Money with Management Applicant Guidance Notes

Money with Management Start Up Grant Application Form

Money with Management Sustainability Investment Application Form

Enablers financial forecasts template

To discuss how you might best develop a successful application, and to find out what other avenues are available to improve your business, you can contact the Social Enterprise Enablers at Weston Spirit (Trading) on 0151 258 1058 or Rita.waters@westonsprit.org.uk, alternatively Blue Orchid on 0151 284 7728 or enablers@theblueorchid.co.uk .

Please note application packs are currently under review and are subject to amendment. In the meantime applicants are requested to complete the downloadable forms along with financial forecasts on the 'Enablers Template' (Excel format).

For established businesses - Best Practice Frameworks (BPFs) will offer a diagnostic delivered flexibly in ways appropriate to the social enterprise, and following that, specially designed support from approved suppliers.

For example this support could enable you to engage a consultant to help you:

-Learn how to promote your social enterprise more effectively, or access new markets

-Plan and implement a growth strategy

-Work out an ICT strategy and put it into practice

In most cases the approved suppliers will have direct experience of the Social Enterprise sector. In some cases costs could be subsidised up to a maximum of 90%, however each business will be assess on an individual basis.

For more information contact Business Link Greater Merseyside on 0845 330 0151