Social enterprises that improve the quality of health and social care for local communities can now apply for loans and grants from the Department of Health's (DH) £100 million Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF).

The fund has already helped more than 150 social enterprises since it was first launched in 2007. But there is still more than £70 million available for start-up and existing social enterprises over the next three years.

Social enterprises can apply for a range of financial help, including loans, grants and equity-like investment products, along with tailored business support services.

Futurebuilders England and Partnerships UK work closely with the DH's Social Enterprise Unit to assess applications. This process takes about six weeks.

Visit the DH website to read more about the fund and apply.

11:19:38 2009-09-14