The Social Economy Academy is a Business Lincolnshire Sector-Specific support programme for the Social Economy sector of Greater Lincolnshire.
The “Social Economy” refers to a range of organisational types, including charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and mutuals. It also includes community groups, providing that they are economically active in some way (for example they hold a bank account), and traditional businesses that have a strong social or environmental purpose, for example B Corporations.
Social economy organisations can operate in any sector and within Lincolnshire, key areas in which the social economy works are health and care, education, sports, entertainment & hospitality, and the arts.
In order to support this diverse sector, the Social Economy Academy provides a range of opportunities and events which aim to build peer networks and support collaborative working, and to develop skills within the sector. These include online webinars, networking and peer-to-peer support opportunities, plus face-to-face events such as an annual Funders Fair which is co-hosted with CVS Lincolnshire, and new for 2026/27, a Social Enterprise conference.
All activities are fully funded; organisations MUST be eligible and registered with Business Lincolnshire to access them. Once registered, activities are open to an organisations’ staff members, volunteers, board, and trustees.
Upcoming Events:
- Networking Launch event 2026/27
- Taste of Unity Kitchen Visit
- Coaching and Mentoring for VCFSEs & P2P Network
- Exploring Value and Impact & P2P Network
- Creative Thinking for Problem Solving & P2P Network
- Social Enterprise Conference
- Annual Funders Fair in collaboration with CVS Lincolnshire
To find out more about the support available from Business Lincolnshire click here!
This programme is available to organisations based in all districts of Greater Lincolnshire, including:
- City of Lincoln
- North Kesteven
- South Kesteven
- East Lindsey
- Boston
- South Holland
- West Lindsey
- North Lincolnshire
- North East Lincolnshire
The Greater Lincolnshire Social Economy Academy (GLSEA) programme. The GLSEA is funded by the UK Government and is supported by Lincolnshire County Council and Business Lincolnshire. It is delivered locally by Lincoln Bishop University.
How to find out more?
To find out more, please email GLSEA@lincolnbishop.ac.uk.
