Business Lincolnshire’s first-ever social enterprise conference set to inspire changemakers across Greater Lincolnshire

Lincoln Bishop University is proud to host Business Lincolnshire’s first-ever conference dedicated entirely to social enterprise - bringing together sector experts, business leaders, social entrepreneurs, community organisations, and aspiring changemakers from across the region. 

The Social Economy Academy: Good Business Conference will take place on Tuesday 6th October 2026 at Lincoln Bishop University, providing a unique opportunity to explore how organisations can create positive social impact while building sustainable and resilient enterprises.

The Good Business Conference has been designed around a simple but powerful question: How can business be a force for good? Delegates will hear from experienced speakers, social entrepreneurs, sector leaders and practitioners who have successfully combined commercial sustainability with social purpose. 

Spaces are now limited! To secure you place, book a ticket here.

The conference represents a significant milestone for the Greater Lincolnshire Social Economy Academy, a programme funded by the UK Government, supported by the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub and delivered locally by Lincoln Bishop University. This will be the first dedicated social enterprise conference ever organised through Business Lincolnshire, highlighting the growing importance and influence of the social economy across the county. 

The Greater Lincolnshire Social Economy Academy supports organisations operating within the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector across Greater Lincolnshire. The programme provides workshops, networking events, specialist support and learning opportunities designed to strengthen social impact, organisational resilience and sustainable growth. The programme is now in its fourth consecutive year of delivery. 

Kay Purle, Project Manager at the Social Economy Academy at Lincoln Bishop University, said: “Socially purposed organisations make up a significant part of the business landscape in Greater Lincolnshire and have much to offer the area commercially, socially and environmentally across a range of industries, for example health care related CICs, farming co-operatives, or community owned pubs. 

“It is very exciting to be bringing a conference dedicated to socially purposed forms of enterprise to Greater Lincolnshire for the first time.”

As well as hosting a fantastic range of speakers, the conference will also see the launch of the new Business Lincolnshire VCFSE Support Directory, which has been created via a collaboration of Business Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Co-op and Lincoln Bishop University, and details the support on offer to the sector from local and national organisations. 

Jeannine Thornley, Senior Project Officer at Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub said: “Supporting innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth is at the heart of everything we do. The Social Economy Academy: Good Business Conference is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded people, share experiences, and discover new ways to create positive impact. I would encourage anyone involved in the social economy to attend and be part of the conversation.” 

Find out more about the Social Economy Academy and upcoming events through Business Lincolnshire and Lincoln Bishop University here.