From martial arts to cookery

There are many ways to make a difference in your community, and social enterprises can make an impact in every conceivable industry.

Since launching in 2011 Investec Beyond Business has supported over 50 social enterprises in east London with funding and expert advice. Every year the team receives a huge range of applications, proving that even the most obscure ideas can have the potential to be successful businesses.

Anyone from any background can start a social enterprise and apply for Investec Beyond Business support. Last year’s four winners were each awarded funding thanks to the strength of their ideas, which were all in completely different fields.

Cordwainers Dye is the UKs first natural dye studio dedicated to emerging socially and sustainably conscious designers.

Vita Bites is a social enterprise seeking to provide nutritious, protein dense energy balls to vulnerable people, such as homeless, vulnerable families and households, who are experiencing food poverty.

InUse is an eco-friendly design studio that upcycles packaging waste into filaments and offers sustainable 3D print-on-demand services.

Aberfeldy Boxing Club runs classes for people of all ages, as well as disability and women only groups. During the school holidays, the club offers free youth sessions, and they have also set up a thriving anti-knife crime initiative.

For co-founder Daryl Greenslade, the Investec Beyond Business programme has been instrumental;

‘Investec Beyond Business has enabled Aberfeldy Boxing Club to reach new levels. From start to finish, we had experts helping us and guiding us to not only complete forms and meet deadlines, but also to up level the business as it stood. It’s been a Godsend.’

What could you do with £20k business funding? Applications close on Tuesday 10th May at 5pm. Find out more about the programme and how to apply.