A PIONEERING new social entrepreneurship programme is being launched in South Devon thanks to a new business partnership.

The School for Social Entrepreneurs, which has schools in Dartington, and Lloyds Banking Group have joined forces to launch the pioneering new programme.

Over the next five years, the Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs programme will support 500 social entrepreneurs across the UK as they start-up and grow social and community enterprises.

Launching in April, the scheme will see 100 social entrepreneurs each year receive comprehensive support from the SSE through its innovative learning programmes, as well as a grant ranging from between £4,000 and £25,000.

SSE officials said a donation from Lloyds Banking Group had made the programme possible.

The scheme is open to social entrepreneurs based anywhere in the UK who are addressing a social need or problem in their community or in wider society.

Outcomes from previous SSE programmes show that the programme could ultimately benefit more than 800,000 people and generate up to 2,500 jobs with a value of £11million.

Paul Turner, Lloyds Banking Group community and sustainable business director, said: "This programme will leave a powerful legacy in communities across the UK. SSE's track record made them a partner of choice and we are incredibly proud to be able to support them in this way."

Alastair Wilson, chief executive of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, added: "We are delighted that Lloyds Banking Group has taken the lead in making such a significant commitment to supporting social entrepreneurs.

"Economic growth and regeneration in the UK will come from people working locally. This partnership will make a real and lasting difference."

Dartington School for Social Entrepreneurs is now accepting applications for its new class of 2012, and is looking for pioneering individuals, based in Devon and beyond, who are willing to be challenged to make a difference in their communities.

The learning programme will run from March to October 2012 and includes 24 days of face-to-face training time, including tutorials, mentoring and fact-finding visits to successful institutions that share the SSE commitment to providing social benefit.

Dartington SSE learning manager Sheena Leaf said: "We are looking for people with great ideas to achieve positive change in their communities and who have the resilience and passion to make them happen."

Application forms are available now from www.darting ton.org/sse

All prospective candidates will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the application requirements.