Investec Beyond Business
Investec Beyond Business is an award winning social enterprise incubation programme, offering funding, training, mentoring and support for emerging social enterprises in east London.
Applications for Investec Beyond Business are now closed. Check back here soon to find out when applications open again.
Your business idea must have clear social purpose and support communities in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest, Islington, Barking and Dagenham.
Shape your community through enterprise
Photo: A Bamboo Bicycle Club workshop. James Marr, founder of Bamboo Bicycle Club, was one of the four winners in 2025.
Start your social enterprise with up to £24,000 business funding.
Join our growing list of entrepreneurs making a big difference in their communities. Investec Beyond Business is offering funding and expert business support for founders with a mission in east London.
The programme is an incredible opportunity to make your social business a success, whether you have recently started out or have an idea in mind.
WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. CHECK BACK HERE SOON TO SEE WHEN APPLICATIONS OPEN AGAIN.
The process
We seek out budding entrepreneurs who are committed to creating successful businesses that are both profit making and deliver serious social and/or environmental outcomes. We invite them to pitch their business ideas to the Investec Beyond Business ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel. Successful applicants are then provided with up to £24k of investment funding as well as membership of the programme.
The combination of investment funding and skills support helps to ensure the entrepreneurs success in creating sustainable businesses.
We provide training and support in:
- Business planning
- Sales and marketing
- Financial control
- Becoming an employer
- IT for start-ups
- Pro bono legal help
Starting a business is difficult. We make sure you’re supported along the way, with successful applicants receiving:
- Start-up funding up to £24k funding
- Strategic and business planning guidance
- Practical business support including training and mentoring
- Access to the impressive alumni network
Our achievements
Since Investec became the sole funder of the programme in 2011, we’ve helped:
- Establish 72 new social enterprises
- Create more than 430 jobs in east London
- Generate a combined turnover of almost £10m
More importantly, we’ve given promising local entrepreneurs a unique opportunity, often limited by circumstances, to create a business with positive social outcomes.
How to apply
To apply, one founder must be based in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Islington, Waltham Forest or Barking and Dagenham. The benefits of your business must be felt in these areas. Your business must also be less than two years old, or even at the idea stage.
WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. CHECK BACK HERE SOON TO SEE WHEN APPLICATIONS OPEN AGAIN.
Any questions, please contact Amit on amitava.guha@bbbc.org.uk
Fair exchange
Dot Dot Dot
How one of our Investec Beyond Business social enterprises is creating stronger communities.
More than food
Fat Macy’s
How one of our Investec Beyond Business social enterprises is supporting people through cooking.
Bespoke mental health support
Find A Balance
How one of our Investec Beyond Business social enterprises is supporting individuals and families who suffer with mental health issues.
Combating loneliness
InCommon
How one of our Investec Beyond Business social enterprises is bringing generations together.
Striving for the best
Tutors United
How one of our Investec Beyond Business social enterprises is helping pupils from low-income backgrounds get ahead.
Better supply chains
Supply Change
2018 Investec Beyond Business winners connect social enterprises to organisations looking for goods and services.
