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by Lesley Williams

12 months ago Welsh ICE collaborated with UnLtd for the first time, to design and deliver a 5-9 Club specifically for social entrepreneurs based across the South Wales Valleys.

36 social entrepreneurs were supported through this collaboration, and 18 launched soon after, securing £40k from UnLtd via their “Try it” and “Do it” awards.

We caught up with Wales Manager Jane Ryall, to reflect on this 5-9 Club partnership.

Tell us about your organisation and what you do?

UnLtd, The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs supports enterprising people across the UK do good through cash, support and connections. We are particularly interested in working with individuals who have their own direct experience of the social issue they are addressing, are working in areas of most pressing need, have the potential to make the most difference and provide support to those who need it most.

Why was a 5-9 Club collaboration important to you?

The programme and team has the same aspirations to reach out and support entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their local community of the South Wales Valleys. The 5-9 Club provides an informative, fun and collaborative platform for new social entrepreneurs to learn and thrive. As a national charity, the 5-9 Club has introduced impactful applicants and Award Winners to UnLtd whom we may never have met otherwise.

How was the experience of working with us so closely?

Fun, fast and welcoming! The 5-9 Club makes things happen, and we have learnt a lot from each other’s different approaches.

What was the best outcome of our collaboration?

A real legacy to provide ongoing support to social entrepreneurs in the South Wales Valleys through a partnership which reaches far beyond any one support organisation.

Interested in learning more about partnering up for a 5-9 Club? Contact lesley@welshice.org for more information.