£10m Fund to Sharpen Chances for Social Investment and Contracting (UK)

July 25, 2011 — Blog Categories: Creating a Supportive Environment (Public Policy)

Investment and Contract Readiness Fund and Government e-Marketplace

"A £10m fund announced today [July 25] will help charities and social enterprises sharpen their chances to win both investment and public service contracts.

Also launched is a pilot project for a ‘Government e-Marketplace' making it easier for small businesses and charities to bid for government contracts below £100,000.

The announcements were outlined in an ‘open letter' from Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd. The £10m Investment and Contract Readiness Fund is one of the latest in a number of actions paving the way for charities, social enterprises and other civil society organisations to play a bigger role in public service delivery. ...

... The fund answers concerns that there's little point in providing opportunities for civil society organisations if they don't have the skills to take advantage of them. ...

... Meanwhile, the pilot e-Marketplace project began last week and aims to enable smaller organisations including charities and SMEs not currently in government procurement frameworks to register for contracts below £100,000. ..."

Click here for the full article.

From Social Enterprise Livewire (25 July 2011