NEW ADVANCED SOCIAL ECONOMY INCUBATOR

Has been launched, with applications now open

The Advanced Social Economy Incubator is a major new, fully funded programme of support for community-focused organisations across South Kesteven.
Delivered by the Harlaxton Manor College in partnership with South Kesteven District Council, funded by the UK Government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the incubator brings together four strands of activity to help local organisations build resilience, scale their work, and strengthen their leadership.

Who Are the Programmes For?
These programmes are open to organisations working within South Kesteven’s social economy, charities, community groups, social enterprises, foundations, not-for-profits, and SMEs with a social purpose. The support is tailored to different stages of organisational development: from smaller groups building their foundations, to established enterprises preparing for scale, to leaders seeking to sharpen their skills and expand their networks. Together, they provide a joined-up package of support to help organisations move from surviving to thriving.

Individuals can register for any or all of the programmes provided they meet the criteria for attending, but if you are unsure, please email impact@harlaxton.ac.uk to speak to one of the team who will be able to help you decide what is best for you.

Dr Wray Irwin, Programme Director, said:

“We are delighted to expand the support available to South Kesteven’s social economy. This programme is about helping organisations move beyond survival, giving them the tools, confidence, and connections to thrive, grow, and create lasting impact. By combining workshops, mentoring, leadership development, and peer networking, we’re offering a truly joined-up package of support.”“We are grateful to South Kesteven District Council for their continued support with this programme and for investing in this innovative programme with UKSPF funding.”

Previous participants on Harlaxton’s Impact Booster Programme have said:

“You learn things you didn’t know you needed to know and it gives you a confidence in what you are doing,”
“The tailor-made support and expert-led guidance help clarify strategic priorities, enhance operational effectiveness, and foster sustainable growth.”
“this has been probably the most impactful ‘business development’ training I have ever attended” across their 40 year career.

Applications are now open for all strands of the Advanced Social Economy Incubator, which will run from September 2025 to March 2026. The programmes are fully funded, free to attend, and open to organisations based in or benefiting communities within South Kesteven.

The Four Support Programmes are:

Adaptive Leadership into Action – this short course develops advanced leadership skills for those leading teams in complex social economy environments. It focuses on adaptive leadership in action, building high-performing teams, and navigating change with confidence and resilience.
The two workshops are delivered on the 13th and 27th of October 2025, between 17:00 and 21:00 at Harlaxton Manor with virtual sessions delivered between those dates and access to leadership supervision so participants can explore their leadership style and enhance their capacity. You can apply for a place on the Adaptive Leadership into Action Programme here.

Impact Booster- is suitable for small charities, grassroots groups, pre-start-up and early-stage social enterprises, and social economy organisations that have not previously accessed business support. This programme focuses on getting the fundamentals right. Through three face-to-face workshops, two virtual sessions, and one-to-one mentoring, participants will explore how to strengthen their business model, develop a clear strategy, access funding, and measure their social impact.
The workshops are delivered on the 10th November 2025, 9th February 2026, and 23rd February 2026, between 17:00 and 21:00 at Harlaxton Manor. You can apply for a place on the Impact Booster Programme here.

Beyond Impact Booster-  is designed for established organisations that have been operating for five years or more, as well as those seeking to scale, or have reached the stage where they want to adopt a more strategic approach to delivering their services, regardless of the age of the organisation. This programme helps leaders stress-test their existing business model, explore options to diversify income, prepare for investment, and plan for organisational long-term resilience. It supports organisations that are ready to grow, adapt, or expand their reach.
The workshops are delivered on the 26th January 2026, 1st of December 2025, and 12th January 2026, between 17:00 and 21:00 at Harlaxton Manor. You can apply for a place on the Beyond Impact Booster Programme here.

Social Economy Networking Sessions – a programme of informal and purposeful free online events designed to bring together leaders from across the social economy. Running at lunchtimes on the third Thursday of the month, between October 2025 and March 2026. Providing a space for peer learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, themed sessions will feature a range of guest speakers and practical discussions on issues such as funding, raising the profile of your organisation and connecting local action to larger scale change. You can apply for a place on the Social Economy Networking Sessions here.

Sessions are planned for
• 16th October 2025
• 20th November 2025
• 15th January 2026
• 20th February 2026
• 20th March 2026

All sessions will take place via Zoom, with the full programme of themes and keynote speakers published shortly.
You can book your place on any or all of the networking sessions here.

About the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and places, supporting local businesses, people and skills.

For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

WHAT HAS HARLAXTON ACHIEVED TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN SOUTH KESTEVEN

A South Kesteven District Council initiative, Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered by Harlaxton Manor

Investing in People, Places and Purpose

Between 2024 and 2025, South Kesteven District Council commissioned a suite of connected projects to strengthen the district’s social economy, the network of organisations working to create social, environmental, and community value.

Funded by the UK Government and delivered by Harlaxton Manor, these projects supported leadership, strategy, and sustainability across the sector. Together, they form a powerful foundation for long-term growth, resilience, and collaboration.

1. Impact Booster Programme
Accelerating Growth in Socially Driven Organisations

A 6-month incubator-style programme supporting 40 social economy organisations across South Kesteven.

• 3 practical workshops at Harlaxton Manor
• 1-to-1 mentoring and virtual support
• Tools for strategy, business models and funding
• 78% completion rate and 100% recommendation from participants

Read more about the Benefits of the Impact Booster Programme

2. Strategic Approach to Supporting the Social Economy

Building a Shared Roadmap for the Future

A district-wide scoping exercise to understand needs, map assets, and shape a strategic response to support social and community organisations.

• 20+ interviews and consultations
• Regional and national benchmarking
• Recommendations across leadership, infrastructure, investment, and partnerships
• Clear actions to guide long-term development and investment

Read the Full Strategic Approach and Recommendations Reports

3. Leadership in the Social Economy

Developing Future-Focused, Adaptive Leaders

A short course focused on building strategic leadership capability in local community leaders and social entrepreneurs.

• 2 in-person workshops and virtual deep dives
• 20 personalised leadership profiles
• 16 graduates leading change in their communities
• Connections built across sectors, services, and places

Discover the Leadership Programme and Who Took Part

What It All Adds Up To

Together, these initiatives:
Supported 60+ individuals across 50+ organisations
Delivered a clear strategic framework for SKDC and partners
Raised the district’s profile in shaping the future of the social economy across Lincolnshire
Created lasting networks, tools, and confidence for leaders at every level

South Kesteven is now recognised as a frontrunner in aligning local action with national priorities and shaping inclusive, place-based economic growth through the social economy.

Explore Each Project

Impact Booster Programme Overview
Executive Summary Social Economy Report
Leadership and Strategy Development Project Highlights