Coffee with impact

In 2015, Well Grounded founder Eve Wagg, saw a gap in the market where the coffee industry was struggling to find trained talent while there were so many people looking for employment. Her idea to provide accredited barista training and wellbeing support for people facing social and economic disadvantage won her a place on the Investec Beyond Business programme in 2016.

Since then Well Grounded has gone from strength to strength. In their six years in business, they have trained over 470 individuals, with 276 achieving specialty coffee accreditation. 264 moved into training, education or employment and nine have been mentored to open their own coffee businesses.

How Investec Beyond Business supported them

Being on the Investec Beyond Business programme gave Eve a springboard to propel her vision. It has created a truly exceptional network for Well Grounded and opened up new avenues for collaboration. Eve continues to serve on judging panels for the programme and continues to introduce budding business owners to the programme.

Find out more

In 2021, Well Grounded celebrated their 5th anniversary with a video showcasing their achievements. They have also recently launched two Well Grounded community cafes with their corporate partners, which provides crucial work experience for their Graduates.

Brew Bar launch at UCL in collaboration with Gather & Gather. Well Grounded Graduates left to right – Daniel – Supervisor, Katie – Barista, Zak – Lead Barista and Training Coordinator.

‘This is an exciting development where big business and community impact meet and we are proud to be working with our partners to grow this element of our work in the coming months and years’.

• Sonja Wittenberg, Managing Director

What could you do with £20k business funding?

Have you recently launched a social enterprise in east London, or do you have a great idea for one? Applications for Investec Beyond Business are open now, until 10th May 2022.