Ask your questions about UnLtd

Adrian_Scope

Today @Adam_UnLtd will be answering your questions about UnLtd's plans to find, fund and support social entrepreneurs with ideas to help disabled people into work.

The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs awards grants to people with enterprising ideas to make the world a better place. They call these people social entrepreneurs: if you feel compelled to address a social issue, and you want to build a social business – one that has a way of financing its operations, then you might be eligible for UnLtd funding.

Unemployment has been steadily falling in the UK, yet not everyone who wants to work can gain appropriate, meaningful work. According to Scope, disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people.

UnLtd know that people have enterprising ideas to change this and in the past 12 months, they've already supported over 20 people with ideas to address the disability employment gap. All the Award Winners receive a combination of cash and support to help you develop resilient, impactful social ventures. Now UnLtd are looking for more applications. If you have an idea to help disabled people into work, e.g. through paid employment, quality training & skills, meaningful work experience, vocational education & apprenticeships, recruitment services, or influencing more inclusive workplace practices, then UnLtd would love to hear from you!

The first stage of the three-stage application process is an Expression of Interest, which you can complete UnLtd's website. The second stage involves completing a few further questions online, and the final stage will involve you speaking with UnLtd, discussing your idea and answering some questions.

You can find more information on how to apply at https://www.unltd.org.uk/our-support/our/closing-the-disability-employment-gap/

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 19th July 2019.

If you have any access requirements call 0800 917 7113 or email AwardsApplications@UnLtd.org.uk

Do you have any questions about UnLtd's awards? Simply tag @Adam_UnLtd into your comments below and he'll be happy to answer them!

Adam_UnLtd

Hi @Hart86,

Great question – thanks for asking!

It certainly could, in fact we are working with several social entrepreneurs currently that are doing both.

We would very much welcome ideas for business that hire disabled candidates and/or offer flexible and accessible opportunities.

Adam_UnLtd

Hi again @Hart86,

Unfortunately, the deadline for this year is the 19th July. That said this is a three-year programme (We are in the second year)

The first stage is just to submit an expression of interest – this is 5 simple questions about you, the problem you are tackling and your idea. This can be done here - https://www.unltd.org.uk/our-support/our/closing-the-disability-employment-gap/

We don’t expect you to have it all worked out and our 12 months of support is designed to help you develop your idea.

If you wanted to talk through your idea once you have done a bit more thinking then please do feel free to make contact by calling 0800 917 7113 or emailing AwardsApplications@UnLtd.org.uk just mention my name and this conversation.

brickfd

Hi @Adam_Unltd
is this like a competition and just 1 person will be awarded?? Sorry if I’ve misunderstood ??

Adam_UnLtd

Hi @brickfd,
Thanks for your question.

Although the process is a competitive one we are looking to work with a group of people so we will be making more than one Award of support and grant funding.

Garza

i have come late to this post so not sure it will be answer, I am interested in the health and fitness market, as a wheelchair user I find gyms to be lacking in equipment and knowledge to fully assist disabled people unless they are at elite level, I envisage a community space which offers disabled people employent in this sector as well as allowing them more options to exercise which can be a challenge for many, i would like the space to also offer, diet and welness advice and possibly  a social space too, would something like this be considered? 

it is purely an idea at the moment of course and I dont have a business background.

Adam_UnLtd

Hi @Garza,

Thanks for your question.

Your idea probably does not fit well with this programme because of the specific focus on closing the disability employment gap.

UnLtd does have open Awards and we are always looking for people to come forward with enterprising solutions to social issues, particularly where they have direct lived experience.

I would encourage you to take a look at the UnLtd Do It Award -  more info here - https://www.unltd.org.uk/our-support/starting-up/

No business background required as we offer 12 months of support.