The BCG UK Social Enterprise 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.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural award, we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting an exciting event in Autumn 2025 where the most innovative UK social enterprises will present their pioneering projects to a panel of prominent UK business leaders. One winner will then be selected and receive dedicated support from a BCG team, providing a unique opportunity to accelerate the scaling of their impact.
Why should you apply?
Network and receive advice from top UK business leaders
Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their organisation and pitch their plan before a final jury that includes FTSE 100 leaders. As well as selecting the winner, they will also offer invaluable, tailored feedback to each participant - offering a unique opportunity for personalised input from some of the UK's most influential business leaders.
Elevate your social impact
The winner will work with a dedicated, full-time BCG UK team to craft strategy, plan expansion, or build new capabilities – accelerating its ability to scale 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 teams.
Gain visibility
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.
Eligibility
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 and learn more about the event below.
Our Themes for 2025
Health
Improving public health and well-being.
Education
Enhancing educational attainment and quality for all learners.
Social Mobility
Reducing inequality and promoting opportunities for social advancement.
Evaluation Criteria
Participants will be evaluated and advance through each round based on the below criteria:
- Impact: 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.
- Innovation: 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.
- Financial Sustainability: 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.
- BCG Engagement: 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.
Application Process
Dates for the 2025 BCG UK Social Enterprise Award to be announced.
Please register your interest here to receive updates from our team ahead of the application deadline.
If you have any questions, please contact the UK Social Enterprise Award team.
We thank our partnering organisations for their support:
