Social Impact Business Accelerator (SIA Project)
Empowering Changemakers, Strengthening Communities
The Social Impact Business Accelerator (SIA Project) is a key initiative by ACT CIC supporting our bold mission to reach 100,000 marginalised young people and families by 2033—by empowering 1,000 community leaders and social entrepreneurs to lead the charge.
Funded by the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, this 3-year project is now in its second year. Each year, the programme supports 20 emerging leaders or social entrepreneurs to develop their own community-driven CICs (Community Interest Companies) and initiatives.
We believe that the only way to address complex community challenges—like youth violence, unemployment, and systemic inequality—is to invest in the leadership, vision, and sustainability of grassroots organisations.
Who’s it for?
Are you a social entrepreneur or community leader with a big idea to create social impact?
Whether you’re just starting out or want to grow your initiative, this programme is open to anyone across the West Midlands working on a project that:
Supports marginalised communities
Empowers young people and families
Increases access to local services and opportunities
While we welcome all ideas that create social impact, we will prioritise projects that contribute to reducing serious youth violence—whether directly or indirectly.
What You’ll Get
Join our FREE 9–12 month accelerator programme and gain everything you need to launch or grow your CIC:
Business Development Support
- Tailored guidance to refine your business plan
- Help structuring your organisation for long-term success
Funding Support
- Support with funding applications and income strategies
- Tools to build financial sustainability
Mentoring & Coaching
- Personalised coaching and leadership development
- Ongoing motivation to keep you moving forward
Expert-Led Workshops
- 6 months of engaging sessions covering 10 essential CIC development areas
- Led by professionals who understand the social enterprise landscape
Company Formation Support
- Step-by-step support to register and launch your CIC
- Legal, admin, and compliance guidance
And More:
- 24/7 access to our Virtual Learning Portal
- Tailored toolkits and templates
Free Online Masterclasses
Not quite ready for the full accelerator? No problem! We run free online SIA Masterclasses throughout the year.
Topics include:
Planning & Managing Funding
CIC Applications
System Design for Social Impact
Priority places are available for residents of Aston and Newtown, thanks to additional support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
👉 Check out upcoming sessions on Eventbrite
Programme Goals
- Support 50 participants to develop or grow impactful CICs
- Help each participant create a deliverable project plan
- Enable access to funding opportunities and 1:1 mentoring
- Strengthen community leadership that contributes to reducing youth violence
Ready to Create Impact?
This opportunity is completely free, and places are limited. To be the first to hear when applications open for the next cohort (starting September 2025), join the waiting list here.
