Welcome to your January News from SEEE. We hope the start of 2026 is going well for you so far?
Have you had a chance to look at our newly launched Vision Portal yet? It's a central hub for the social enterprise sector wherever you're based, providing a one-stop destination for resources, programme information, and links to partner organisations. It’s FREE and easy to use, growing with you as your idea/business/organisation develops. If you’re in Cambridgeshire you’ll also find specific links to local organisations and support thanks to funding from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).
If you have any news or success stories to share please email caroline.foot@seee.co.uk. Don't forget to tag us in social media posts on LinkedIn and Facebook, so we can share your news and events there too.
CIC Launches Offering Free Advice for New Businesses
Essex and Hertfordshire based, Thickbroom Chartered Accountants, have recently launched Thickbroom Enterprise CIC to offer free personal advice to first-time business owners in their first year of trading and to those in pre-launch stage.
Thickbroom understand how important getting the right start-up advice at the right time, can transform a new business from uncertain footing to secure foundations.
Cambridgeshire ACRE is seeking committed and capable individuals to join their Board of Trustees. They are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in finance, digital systems and cyber security, environmental management or rural housing. No previous trustee experience is needed, and applications are welcome from anyone who shares their purpose and brings a fresh perspective. Close date: Monday 6 February
The Impact Pioneer Awards 2026, created by Pioneers Post and NatWest Social & Community Capital, recognise individuals and organisations delivering pioneering solutions for social and environmental challenges. They also celebrate the people having a positive impact on business, public and social sectors.
Social enterprises, entrepreneurial charities, mission-driven businesses and impact investors working in communities across the UK are all encouraged to enter for a chance to gain national recognition. Entry is free. Close date: Midnight Sunday 15 February
Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire: Administered by Cambridge Community Foundation, this fund provides grants up to £15,000 for smaller community initiatives that:
Support local economy and employment
Enhance community safety, health, and wellbeing
Improve the natural environment
The final round for applications closes on 1 February 2026
Bedfordshire:CVS are running a range of free workshops designed to help organisations understand their legal obligations, make good funding applications and stay up-to-date with safeguarding responsibilities.
Hertfordshire: HCF are running a selection of bite-size courses in the next few weeks including a new 'Easy Guide to the Theory of Change' webinar on Wednesday 11 February.
