Trading & Enterprise Learning Programme
Overview
This learning programme, delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs in partnership with Lloyds Bank Foundation, helps charities strengthen financial sustainability and grow their trading income. Across six months, participating leaders gain practical skills, confidence and networks to embed trading as part of their business model. Through expert-led sessions, peer coaching and market-making activities, you’ll learn in a supportive, inclusive environment designed for organisations ready to scale enterprise activity.
Our goal is to equip leaders with tools for long-term resilience—building financial independence, adaptability and impact in the communities you serve. This isn’t just a training course; it’s a chance to step back, reimagine your trading potential and connect with peers who share your drive to lead change through enterprise.
Please note: this programme is only open to organisations referred by Lloyds Bank Foundation. We are looking for 30 participants in order to start the programme.
What you will learn during the programme
- Trading model — Develop a trading model that aligns with your mission and values.
- Business planning — Modelling, pricing, financial forecasting and risk.
- Sales & marketing — Reach customers and commissioners effectively.
- Impact & comms — Measure and communicate social impact to funders, buyers and stakeholders.
- New income streams — Confidence to pursue B2B and government contracts.
- Peer insights — Witness sessions and study visits with social entrepreneurs.
- Market making — Access new markets and connect with potential buyers.
- Action Learning Sets — Peer-led problem solving on real dilemmas.
- Leadership & resilience — Wellbeing, adaptability and strategic thinking.
Course schedule
The programme will be delivered in person and online via Zoom. It will include:
- Introductory session with your programme facilitator to help shape some programme elements.
- Witness sessions: entrepreneurs and charity leaders share their experiences (see this playlist of videos for examples).
- Expert sessions to build skills in financial resilience, business planning, income generation and people management.
- Peer Coaching Sets with a trained facilitator to help overcome real-world challenges.
- Peer support — learn with and from other leaders.
- 1:1 with a charity finance expert.
| Session | Date | Time | Session type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Tuesday 14th October | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Session 2 | Tuesday 21st October | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Peer Coaching 1 | Tuesday 18th November | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Session 3 | Tuesday 2nd December | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Session 4 | Tuesday 16th December | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| 1-1 Finance | Jan – Feb 2026 | Booked depending on availability | Online via Zoom |
| Peer Coaching 2 | Tuesday 20th January | 09.30am – 1.00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Session 5 | Tuesday 27th January | 10:00am – 4:30 pm | In-person – Birmingham |
| Session 6 | Thursday 5th February | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Peer Coaching 3 | Tuesday 10th February | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Session 7 | Tuesday 24th February | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Peer Coaching 4 | Tuesday 3rd March | 09:30am – 1:00 pm | Online via Zoom |
| Session 8 | Tuesday 24th March | 10:00am – 4:30 pm | In-person – Birmingham |
Have any questions? Join an information session
We are holding online information sessions where you can meet the facilitators and find out more:
- Wednesday 17th September, 12:00–1:00 pm. Register here.
- Thursday 18th September, 4:30–5:30 pm. Register here.
Ready to apply?
Applications are now open and will close at 12 pm on Tuesday 30th September 2025. Please download and read the guidance notes before making an application.
We recommend starting your application as early as possible, so we can help you with any questions you have. If you need any help, please contact [email protected].