In 2022 the Ford Foundation engaged with University of York Enterprise Works seeking regional social enterprises with a vision to scale their impact.

In October 2022 we were able to collaborate with Enterprise Works, University of York and York St John’ on their social enterprise activity and fantastic event ‘Unlocking the Power of Social Enterprise’. This provided six social enterprises with the opportunity to pitch for Ford Family Foundation funding.

The event was attended by over 100 people interested in social enterprise and brought together people working across the private, public, charity and social enterprise sector with a passion to create change and shine a light on the talent and value brought to society by social enterprise. We continue to collaborate with Enterprise Works and University of York on wider social enterprise projects, driving systemic change and ensuring social enterprises gain the recognition and support they require to succeed.