Through its inspiring enterprise programme, RBS has committed to support 100,000 young people, 20,000 women and 2,500 social enterprises by 2015. These three groups could play a stronger role in the entrepreneurial economy, it believes.
Chief among its "inspiring enterprise" activities are holding informative events, delivering advice and funding, partnering with enterprise champions and helping to connect people with experts, markets and professional networks.
RBS's mobile business school tours the country, visiting communities and universities to inspire potential entrepreneurs and explain what it takes to start a business. It collaborates with organisations including The Prince's Trust, Social Enterprise UK and everywoman.
And to maximise its reach, the bank is providing £3m of grant funding to NGOs that support and encourage young people and women in enterprise. Social enterprises can access finance through the RBS Microfinance Fund.
Since January 2013, "inspiring enterprise" has supported 34,520 people, including 6,004 women and 953 social enterprises. It has brought 300 businesses to life and created 327 jobs.
"Inspiring enterprise" is part of RBS's commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the UK, and sits alongside its MoneySense and Future Ready programmes, which provide children with financial education.
Katharine Earley is a journalist and copywriter, specialising in sustainability.
The Guardian Sustainable Business Sustainability Case Studies contain articles on all the initiatives that met the criteria for the GSB Awards.
