A funded programme of support for people looking to grow their business in Southwark returns for a second year.
The Southwark Pioneers Fund, a partnership with national business support charity Hatch Enterprise, is part of the council’s action plan to support growth in the borough and boost the local economy.
As part of this fund, the Grow Your Enterprise Incubator programme running in January 2024 will support a cohort of Southwark entrepreneurs to grow connections, receive mentorship, and access expert-led workshops to level up marketing, sales, strategy, finances and more.
Graduates of the programme will also be eligible to apply for a £5,000 grant to invest back into their business. Early-stage entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly women, younger and older people, people with disabilities and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Daniel Peters, local entrepreneur and founder of the Fashion Minority Report, is a graduate of the Southwark Pioneers Fund Accelerator run earlier this year and was awarded grant funding through the programme. His business is increasing diversity within the fashion industry by championing existing talent and nurturing future fashion stars
He said: “Because of all of the support we were given I’ve been able to supercharge what we’ve done. Accessing the grant funding helps us tremendously, as an ethnic minority founder, we’re not usually given that access.”
Cllr Martin Seaton, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Business & Town Centres, said: “Anyone can successfully run their own business with the right support. If you have a business idea or a business you want to grow in Southwark, our fund is there to help you reach your full potential. Southwark has a strong pioneer spirit and we want to nurture our home grown businesses as much as possible, especially those headed up by people from underrepresented groups.”
Southwark Pioneers Fund Incubator: Grow Your Enterprise
If you are based in Southwark and have an early-stage business you are wanting to grow, apply now for a chance to access in-depth support over four months with a chance to apply for a grant of up to £5,000 when you graduate.
Applications are open now for this programme starting in January 2024; the final deadline for applications is 3 January 2024.
To find out more or to apply, visit https://hatchenterprise.org/our-programmes/southwark-incubator-jan-24/
