Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is committed to maximising the positive impact we can make in the world. In line with this commitment, BCG’s UK office is proud to announce our inaugural UK Social Enterprise Award.
The award aims to elevate the most exciting social enterprises in the UK and provide them with an even greater platform for future success. We are seeking emerging leaders who are effecting positive change in the fields of health, education, and social mobility.
We will be hosting an exciting event in November 2024 where the most innovative UK social enterprises will present their pioneering projects to a panel of prominent UK business leaders. After presenting to our panel of experts of UK business leaders in November 2024, one winner will be selected and receive dedicated support from a BCG team, providing a unique opportunity to accelerate the scaling of their impact.
Eligible applicants must have been in operation for at least two years, with an annual turnover of at least £500K. We also welcome non-profit organisations of a similar size and operational history. If your organisation fits these criteria, we warmly invite you to apply.
BCG will not take equity in any of the ventures and it is free for all eligible businesses to participate. We are excited to celebrate and support the transformative efforts of the UK's leading social enterprises.
Click here to register your interest or start your application, and learn more about the event below.
The themes for this year’s award are aligned with BCG UK’s social impact priorities and include:
Participants will be evaluated and advance through each round based on the below criteria:
We are looking for projects whose goods or services have a measurable and positive impact on UK or global challenges in health, education and social mobility. Both realized impact and the potential for future impact will be important factors for consideration.
We are seeking projects that offer new or different solutions to addressing UK or global challenges in health, education and social mobility. This includes projects with groundbreaking products or services, unique business models, or exemplary use of existing methods or technologies that deliver superior results or cost-effectiveness.
We are seeking projects with stable financial health, ensuring viability in the coming years. For-profit participants should be profitable or demonstrate a clear path to profitability within the next 12 months. Non-profits with secure funding will also be considered.
You should be willing to work closely with a BCG team in an agile manner, either remotely or in person. Additionally, to ensure any collaboration with BCG is successful, you must demonstrate a clear alignment between your goals and BCG's service offerings to ensure our team is able to help you deliver maximum impact.
Early August: Application launch
Stage 1: Submit your application
Tell us about your organisation by filling out the application form. We want to understand why your mission is important to you and UK society.
30 September: Application closes
Early October: Semi-finalists chosen
Late October: Semi-finals
Late October: Finalists chosen
Stage 2: Semi Finals
The top 10 participants will work with a BCG consultant to refine their pitch. These participants will then pitch to a committee of BCG partners in a closed-door, virtual event.
Mid November: Finals at BCG UK offices and Panel announces winner
Stage 3: Finals
The top 5 participants will be invited to pitch to BCG staff and a panel of UK business leaders in the BCG UK offices.
Participating in this award offers you the chance to network and receive advice from top UK business leaders. Finalists will showcase their organisation and pitch their plan before a final jury that includes FTSE 100 leaders. The final jury will not only select the winner but also offer constructive feedback on each participant's pitch, providing a unique opportunity for personalised input from some of the UK's most influential business leaders.
One winner will work with a full-time, dedicated BCG UK team to craft strategy, make expansion plans, or build new capabilities, enabling the winning organisation to accelerate scaling its impact. The winning team will also have weekly advisory sessions with BCG UK partners to receive expert guidance, as well as access to BCG’s extensive resources, including our global network of industry experts and support from BCG's research and technical staff.
Participants will benefit from high-profile media exposure through our marketing activities and partnerships. We are partnering with leading incubators that can provide additional exposure through their network of companies and investors.
The award will bring together an elite panel of UK business leaders as judges for the final competition.
We thank our partnering organisations for their support:
Please register your interest here to receive updates from our team ahead of the application deadline.
Apply here to be part of a transformative journey in social enterprise with BCG UK. Applications are open from early August through 30 September 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact the UK Social Enterprise Award team.
