Applications now open. Application deadline for UK mentoring-only programmes is 9^th January 2023.

What is Accelerate?

The Accelerate programme supports young social entrepreneurs and social enterprises with a focus on supporting young people into employment, education, or enterprise. We want to help social enterprises to grow and thrive so that they can continue to play an important role in stimulating local economies and affecting social change.

We currently offer a 1-month mentoring-only programme to all eligible social entrepreneurs.

This programme offers a month of business mentoring, supporting you with:

• A specific objective in your chosen focus area (operational, strategic or commercial)
• 1:1 Support from an Expert/Specialist in the Field/Subject Area
• Free access to a market-leading online growth planning tool
• Procurement opportunities: opportunity for successful candidates to apply to join large corporate supply chains

Who could I work with?

Accelerate is supported by volunteers from a range of teams across EY and external organisations across the UK. Participants will receive support from:

• Business coaches 
• The wider EY network, including legal professionals 
• Trainers and facilitators from a wide variety of sectors, all specialists in their field

Can I be part of the Accelerate programme?

Individuals who meet the below eligibility criteria can apply to the programme:

• Running a social enterprise that supports young people into education, employment or enterprise

or

• A social entrepreneur aged 18-30

Plus, at least three of the following:

• Your organisation is already established with 1+ years of trading
• You (the social entrepreneur) are working full-time within the business
• Your social enterprise is generating revenue
• You have a credible plan to grow at a local, regional or national level which in turn will create employment opportunities in the future