Call for Applications: Enterprise Gateway Fund (United Kingdom)

The Henry Smith Foundation’s Enterprise Gateway Fund offers a comprehensive support package for small voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organizations and social entrepreneurs. The fund aims to develop new sources of earned income and enhance financial resilience. Applications for Intermediary Partners are open until 25 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Henry Smith Foundation

- Funding Type: Grants and practical support

- Funding Amount: £500,000 to £1.5 million per Intermediary Partner over three years

- Eligible Applicants: Intermediary organizations supporting VCSEs and social entrepreneurs

- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom

- Expression of Interest Deadline: 5pm, 25 November 2026

- Application Deadline: 5pm, 22 January 2027

- Program Duration: Three years

About the Opportunity

The Enterprise Gateway Fund is designed to empower VCSE organizations and social entrepreneurs with promising enterprise ideas. It supports these entities in exploring, testing, and developing new revenue-generating activities while building the necessary skills and capacity for sustained growth. The program targets areas with limited enterprise support, including high deprivation regions, to boost local economic resilience and innovation. Funding and Benefits Intermediary Partners can apply for funding ranging from £500,000 to £1.5 million over three years. The funding covers: - Onward grants to participant organizations and entrepreneurs - Enterprise development support - Peer learning and networking opportunities - Program management, staffing, or administration costs Who Is Eligible?

Intermediary Partners:

- Must have a proven track record in supporting enterprise or trading activities - Experience in managing onward grants and financial controls - Ability to deliver practical enterprise development support - Established networks reaching underserved areas - Annual income of at least £500,000

Beneficiary Organizations/Individuals:

- Constituted VCSEs in England with an annual turnover under £500,000 - Organizations with a social purpose in their legal structure, including charities, CICs, community benefit societies, CLGs, and cooperatives - Non-constituted organizations and individual social entrepreneurs across the UK - Entities working in high deprivation areas or underserved enterprise regions - Focus on Henry Smith Foundation’s priority areas: Getting Started, Building Independence, Safer Futures Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The fund supports enterprise development in high deprivation areas and regions with limited access to enterprise support. Priority areas include: - Developing practical business plans from trading ideas - Testing new income sources - Building enterprise skills and financial resilience Why This Opportunity Matters The Enterprise Gateway Fund facilitates financial independence and resilience among VCSE organizations and social entrepreneurs by providing essential resources and support. It aims to bridge the gap in enterprise development access and foster economic growth in underserved communities, contributing to long-term social impact. How to Apply

- Check Eligibility: Complete the online eligibility quiz provided by the Henry Smith Foundation.

- Expression of Interest: Submit your EOI by 5pm, 25 November 2026.

- Application Submission: If eligible, submit a detailed application by 5pm, 22 January 2027.

- Application Support Calls: Attend a one-to-one application support call for guidance (optional).

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Ensure your organization meets all eligibility criteria before applying. - Clearly articulate your experience and capacity in enterprise development and grant management. - Provide detailed plans for combining financial support with practical development advice. Frequently Asked Questions What is the deadline for Expression of Interest? The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is 5pm, 25 November 2026. Who can apply for the Enterprise Gateway Fund? Only Intermediary Partners with established enterprise support experience and networks can apply. What is the funding range available for Intermediary Partners? Intermediary Partners can apply for funding between £500,000 and £1.5 million over three years. What types of organizations are eligible as beneficiaries? Eligible beneficiaries include constituted VCSEs, social enterprises, and individual social entrepreneurs working across the UK. Where can I find more information about the program? Visit the official Henry Smith Foundation website for comprehensive program details and guidelines. Next Steps Interested organizations should review the official guidelines and prepare their Expressions of Interest by the deadline. Eligible entities are encouraged to participate in application support calls for tailored advice.