BARCLAYS | S4S International

Supporting the UK's best social entrepreneurs

The

brief

Barclays Bank was looking for a way to give back to the small businesses that made up a large part of their client base, and to showcase young people who were transforming the world through their social enterprises. Barclays wanted to find the top young social enterprises, provide them with support and training, and provide, for a select few, a real boost to their chances by supporting them for a full year.

the

activities

S4S developed a program comprising three stages. S4S and Barclays ran a national marketing campaign to find 60 of the most promising social entrepreneurs. The chosen 60 received an intensive bootcamp about defining and growing their social enterprise. For stage 2 all 60 pitched their idea to a panel of judges. 5 of the entrepreneurs were chosen to receive a full year of training and support as well as attending One Young World in Johannesburg.

the

result

As Steve Cooper, Vice Chairman of Barclays Business Banking commented: “This was a fantastic opportunity for social enterprises to get expert advice and support right when they need it most. I was excited about the training day the opportunity for Barclays to provide meaningful support”

The five chosen entrepreneurs all went on to start and grow the businesses they pitched thanks to the support and training from S4S and Barclays. While Barclays was able to show their commitment to the sector.