What is LSV Build?
The Build Programme is the second stage of London Social Ventures’ structured pathway for social ventures. It helps transform early-stage ideas into a clear blueprint for launching a social venture.
Many innovative ideas with the potential to improve social outcomes emerge from London’s universities, but they can struggle to make an impact beyond academia. We believe social ventures can be powerful vehicles to bring these ideas into the world and maximize their reach.
Through the LSV Build Programme, participants refine their concepts, collaborate with peers and mentors, and develop a pilot to test their idea in a real-world setting. The process helps participants decide if social venture is the right route to have impact with their research and idea.
Who is the Build Programme for?
The Build Programme is free to join and is open to students, staff and alumni from London’s universities who have an idea for a social venture.
Why should you apply?
The Build Programme provides a structured and supportive pathway to kick-start your social venture journey. It equips you with the knowledge, tools, and guidance to turn a compelling idea into a tangible project making a social impact in London and beyond. Beyond that, it helps you determine whether your idea is viable and if pursuing a social venture is right for you.
What does the Build Programme offer?
- Knowledge and Networking: Participants will learn from expert mentors and London based social entrepreneurs and develop entrepreneurial tools and research methods. They will also collaborate with peers from other London Universities.
- Development of Ideas: Participants will be supported to understand their venture’s customers, users, and beneficiaries, and identify how their social venture will finance itself. This process will help develop their idea into a tangible social venture project.
- Practical Experience: Participants will design a pilot for their social venture idea and get 1:1 guidance on how to successfully deliver it. The pilot will be a quick and easy way to test key parts of the idea and get early feedback.
- Access to Funding: The most promising ideas from each cohort will receive £2k of funding to go towards helping them deliver a pilot.
When and Where?
Applications are now open, and the first cohort kicks off in a hybrid format in March 2025. To secure a place, apply early!
How can you apply?
Applying is simple! All you need is an idea. Fill out the brief application here: https://londonsocialventures.com/social-venture-support-funding/.
Do you have questions or require further assistance? Feel free to contact Will Russell: w.russell@londonmet.ac.uk
The Build Programme is the second stage of London Social Ventures' structured pathway for social ventures. It helps transform early-stage ideas into a clear blueprint for launching a social venture.
Many innovative ideas with the potential to improve social outcomes emerge from London’s universities, but they can struggle to make an impact beyond academia. We believe social ventures can be powerful vehicles to bring these ideas into the world and maximize their reach.
Through the LSV Build Programme, participants refine their concepts, collaborate with peers and mentors, and develop a pilot to test their idea in a real-world setting. The process helps participants decide if social venture is the right route to have impact with their research and idea
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