Entrepreneurs solve problems and quickly adapt to tackle challenges they encounter. In the face of adversity, there are few better equipped to find innovative solutions to problems than entrepreneurs.
Entry criteria:
You must be
- A founder of an early-stage purpose - led UK enterprise or charity, that is developing innovative social or environmental products or services, to tackle big world problems.
- In a position to use the support we provide i.e. as a minimum, you have developed a prototype/MVP, carried out relevant market research, have a business plan and are implementing it to launch in 2026.
EASI 2026 TIMELINE
- 19th January 2026: Applications open
- 31st March 2026: Applications deadline
- April 2026: Shortlisted applicants selected for online interview
- May 2026: EASI26 Finalists selected and invited to participate in EASI26 Final
- 18th May 2026 (evening): EASI26 Final
- June 2026: Business support to EASI26 Winner & Finalists commences
- 1st July 2026 (evening): EASI26 official award presentation at our Election Court Dinner.
The immense challenges faced, both during and following the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighted and accentuated many serious social and environmental issues, such as mental illness, homelessness, lack of care provision, loneliness, climate change and the importance of nature to people’s wellbeing. It also clearly demonstrated the strength and importance of communities, and how innovation together with collaboration, could achieve what previously was thought impossible
Inspired by this fusion, the Company of Entrepreneurs Trust in conjunction with the Company of Entrepreneurs (We) developed EASI - the Entrepreneurs’ Award in Social Innovation.
Through EASI, using the strength of our own community and the efforts of our talented, well connected freemen, all of whom have successfully founded and built at least one business, We have directed our collective, valuable resources towards common wealth, benefitting the majority, rather than the few, and meaningfully supporting social innovation
EASI25 Winner Eden Harrison - Carbon Cell with finalists: Will Hicks - Air Aware Labs, Yasmine Abdu - CarbonTrac, Freddy Sarathchandra - Enstic, Damla Khan - Tynkerbyte, and Past Master and EASI Lead Judy Hadden
What is EASI?Each year during a specified time period, We invite early-stage purpose-led UK organisations, developing innovative social, or environmental products or services to tackle big world problems, to apply for EASI via a simple online application form.
At the close of the application period, each application is carefully reviewed and a short list of applicants selected. The short-listed applicants are invited to present their innovation/business via video call to our judging team, from which applicants will be selected to go forward to the EASI Final
Our EASI 2026 Winner will receive a £10,000 grant and year-long package of significant support, with our aim of making their ‘boat go faster’ and therefore their social impact sooner.
EASI Finalists will each receive a series of bespoke mentoring sessions and have the opportunity of attending EASI Masterclasses, developed with topic experts to share valuable knowledge and business lessons.
All EASI Applicants benefit from being part of the wider EASI community and are offered the opportunity to share the connections and resources that we have developed with other like-minded organisations supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.
EASI AWARD PACKAGE
- £10,000 grant
- A 12-month package of support and fellowship which includes mentoring, introductions to connections & networks, and other sources of funds.
- Products and/or services donated by EASI Supporters.
EASI 25 Final - The Skyline London
“The EASI £10K grant significantly widened our manufacturing scope, from “microwave” experiments to industrially relevant heat press tooling – unlocking trials with European manufacturing partners.
Mentoring with Paul Eveleigh has been the single most valuable part of the programme, along with introductions to potential funders through the programme’s networking events.”
EASI25 Winner: Eden Harrison, Co-Founder Carbon Cell
EASI24 Winner Liz Beh – Tresacare, with guests at the EASI24 Final, Skyline London
Entry criteria:
You must be
- A founder of an early-stage purpose - led UK enterprise or charity, that is developing innovative social or environmental products or services, to tackle big world problems.
- In a position to use the support we provide i.e. as a minimum, you have developed a prototype/MVP, carried out relevant market research, have a business plan and are implementing it to launch in 2026.
Please support EASI –We need you!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
To ensure EASI’s continued success, We need your help.
Our collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers has proven the power of partnership—supporting MedTech and bioscience innovators while creating meaningful impact. Now we're ready to scale this model with other like-minded livery companies, reaching new communities of social innovators, pooling resources and expertise, and multiplying the support we can provide.
- Join an established social impact initiative with proven results
- Generate positive visibility and demonstrate your livery's modern relevance
- Deepen engagement with current members while attracting new ones
- Make tangible difference in your sector through meaningful mentorship and support
Together, we can create lasting change and expand the reach of social innovation across many industries. If you’d like to discuss please:
Photos: ©Pauliina Roots Photography
