SOLIHULL MP URGES SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS TO ENTER £6MILLION AWARDS SCHEME AS DEADLINE DRAWS NEAR

12.35.42pm GMT Wed 28th Jan 2009

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt is today supporting social entrepreneurs in Solihull by encouraging them to enter a major new initiative for not for profit organisations.

The £6 million Social Entrepreneur Awards is the biggest ever of its kind in the UK and has been created by Bank of Scotland Corporate to encourage and nurture the British organisations that put welfare before wealth and reward those that put the greater good ahead of personal profits.

Two awards are on offer to ensure that both smaller and bigger social enterprises can enter and entrants must specify which they wish to enter;

1) Up to £5 million free of interest and arrangement fees for 3 years, or a one off cash donation of up to £500,000

2) Up to £1 million free of interest and arrangement fees for 3 years, or a one off cash donation of up to £100,000

The winner of each award will also secure a free 'money can't buy' reward of three days mentoring from one of the UK's best known social entrepreneurs and the title of "Bank of Scotland Corporate Social Entrepreneur 2009.'

Lorely said:

"I believe that social enterprises are in tune with the local community and make a real difference to people's lives. Here in Solihull we have many not for profit organisations who help deliver ambitions and aspirations for local people, and that's why I'm encouraging our local social entrepreneurs to enter these awards. There is less than one month remaining until the deadline for entries so it's important to take advantage of this opportunity."

The Social Entrepreneur Award is open to not for profit organisations whose primary purpose is to further social or environmental goals, and those who operate for non-commercial purposes and social benefit. Such organisations cover a vast spectrum, ranging from charities, churches and social groups, to public sector organisations, schools and colleges.

• For more information - and to download an entry form - visit www.bossocialawards.co.uk

• The closing date for entries is Monday 23 February 2009

• The national final takes place on 25 June 2009