Funding fuels innovations with a community impact
Programme provides money for Anglia Ruskin students to take ideas forward
Student innovators at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) are transforming their great ideas into impactful ventures thanks to a new initiative between ARU, Enterprise For Life® and Landmarc Solutions.
The first Social Value Fund programme has seen students from across ARU’s community develop business ideas designed to deliver social value or community impact.
Eight exceptional business ideas were shortlisted and the budding entrepreneurs behind these concepts received dedicated funding and mentorship, to enable them to refine and develop their projects into viable social value enterprises.
Their ideas were then presented to a panel, seeking further support and investment.
A standout success story from the first programme was recent ARU graduate Nirvana Yarger’s ‘Community Classroom’, focusing on enhancing educational accessibility and community engagement. Nirvana’s pitch earned high praise from the panel and secured an investment of £5,000 to take the next step in growing the business and widening its impact.
“We’ve reached a defining milestone. After years of dedication and groundwork, we’ve launched and completed the inaugural Social Value Fund. This has been a central part of our vision and at the very heart of the Enterprise For Life® manifesto since 2013.
“This fund allows us to bring together social entrepreneurs, corporates, and government to identify and empower ventures that prioritise real social impact. Thank you to Landmarc Solutions and ARU for their unwavering support. We’re just getting started, and I’m excited for all that lies ahead.”
Professor Ren Kapur MBE, CEO of Enterprise For Life®
“As the first corporate partner of the Social Value Fund programme, Landmarc is proud to support this initiative as part of our social value commitments. As a prime contractor to the British Government, we are dedicated to delivering value beyond our contracts by championing social enterprises and integrating them into our supply chain.
“In 2024, and in the years ahead, our national prosperity will depend on bold entrepreneurs and dynamic small businesses creating sustainable value in their communities, generating jobs, and fostering local resilience.
“It has been truly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and creativity of these student entrepreneurs, whose commitment to social impact mirrors the values we uphold at Landmarc. Their passion reassures me that the future of British business is in capable, innovative hands, and I am confident that programmes like this will shape a generation ready to lead and make a difference.”
Mark Neill, Managing Director of Landmarc Solutions
“We are delighted with the outcomes of this programme which very much aligns to our core mission and values as a university.
“Many congratulations to Nirvana and all the other finalists who demonstrated that ‘doing well by doing good’ is very much in the DNA of our students and the next generation of social entrepreneurs.
“It just goes to show that there is so much more we can achieve when business and education come together to deliver social value.”
Professor Gary Packham, Pro Vice Chancellor for Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)