It’s not easy building a business from the ground up. In the UK, only about half of new businesses are still trading after three years. In this new podcast series we will hear from social entrepreneurs about their journeys and the lessons they’ve learnt along the way.
Since 2011, we’ve been privileged to run our Beyond Business social enterprise incubator programme in partnership with Investec, who provide financial and practical support to social businesses in the early stages of their journey.
To date, Investec Beyond Business has helped to launch over 50 social businesses, creating more than 300 new jobs. And since Investec became sole funders of the project, around 80% of Beyond Business enterprises have gone on to trade beyond their third year, which is no mean feat and something that we are very proud of.
This month, Investec have launched a new podcast series which documents the journeys of our alumni. You can listen to the first one below and we’ll be adding new podcasts as they are released, so do check back.
Podcast one: From petty crime to inspiring tomorrow’s entrepreneurs
DivInc CEO, Jay Richards reveals how he escaped marginalisation to start a business, and is helping London teenagers to follow the same path. Listen to the 12 minute podcast.
Podcast two: The business that’s playing the generation game
InCommon founders, Charlotte Whitakker and Laura Macartney, talk about the journey that led them to help tackle loneliness and improve the wellbeing of care home residents with programmes that also help school children. Listen to the 14 minute podcast.
Podcast three: Bringing elite level sports training to state schools
Performance Ready founder, Daniel Lavipour, shares his journey from being a performance coach to elite sportspeople, to giving state school children the opportunity to develop their sporting ability, a curriculum usually reserved for independent school students. Listen to the 10 minute podcast.
Podcast four: Making procurement a force for good
Supply Change founders Beth and Aoise talk about how their procurement service helps organisations improve their social impact by connecting them with social enterprises. Listen to the 8 minute podcast.
Applications are now open for the next cohort of Investec Beyond Business entrepreneurs. Got a great idea for a social enterprise? Find out more and submit an Expression of Interest by 3rd May 2022.
