The Guardian Social Enterprise Award, which is supported by Bates Wells and Braithwaite and Haysmacintyre seeks out the UK's most promising social enterprises who have the potential to make a big impact.
The judges will meet next week to choose the four outstanding finalists. These finalists will be showcased at the Guardian Social Enterprise 2011 summit, where delegates will vote for the overall winner.
Thanks to everyone who entered - it was very hard to choose a shortlist, and I'm sure that choosing the finalists will be even tougher.
More details about the award, the judges and the judging criteria, can be found here.
In no particular order, here are the ten social enterprises which have been shortlisted for the Guardian Social Enterprise Award 2011.
Kula Causes
KULA is the world's first global currency for charitable giving. They serve over 2 million causes, based in 5 countries, and operate in virtually every corner of the earth.
Brighter Future Workshop Limited
Brighter Future Workshop Limited specialises in recycling, repairing and reselling of mobility equipment. They also give the opportunity for young, disadvantaged and disabled people to work with them to help recycle the equipment that is donated.
SCA Group
Social Care in Action (SCA) is one of the leading health and social care social enterprises in the UK. With an outstanding range of services including care, NHS dentistry, transport, a health and wellbeing centre and an award winning training service, everything SCA does is focussed on supporting its customers to lead better lives.
Star Enterprise Work and Play Ltd
Star Enterprise Work and Play is an organisation driven by people with learning disabilities where everyone is welcomed and supported and has the chance to work and socialise in a safe environment
Giveacar
Giveacar is a social enterprise that raises money for charity by accepting donations of old cars. It allows charities to tap into a brand new source of funds and at the same time it gives car owners a simple way to get rid of their unwanted cars and put them to good use, raising money for their favourite charities.
East Lancs. Moneyline (IPS)
East Lancs Moneyline and Moneyline Cymru is a new high street service offering affordable loans, money advice, bank accounts and linked savings accounts.
Lasa - rightsnet
Lasa helps thousands of organisations across the UK to give better welfare rights advice to their clients, use technology to deliver more effective and efficient services, influence policy for advice and legal services and raise awareness of the third sector's technology needs with funders and government
3SC
3SC and its members are at the forefront of innovative public service delivery that is designed to meet today's increasing demands for tailored services and effective outcomes. With over 1,500 registered members, 3SC can identify where quality services exist, where there are gaps in provision and fill any gaps with appropriate providers.
The Big Bang Education Community Interest Company
The Big Bang is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people in the UK. Everything they do is aimed at showing young people just how many exciting and rewarding opportunities there are out there for them with the right experience and qualifications.
MyBnk
MyBnk provide young people with opportunities to build the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to manage their money effectively and make enterprising choices throughout their lives. All of their programmes develop young people's finance and enterprise capability through fun and interactive activities which put young people at their heart.
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To join the social enterprise network, click here
