Investec Beyond Business
Investec Beyond Business is an award winning programme, offering training and support for emerging social enterprises in east London.
Applications for 2023 are now closed. To find out about the 2024 awards, subscribe to our newsletter.
Your business idea must have clear social purpose and the applicant must live in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest or Islington.
Start something amazing
Get £20k funding and expert business support to make a difference in east London.
Each year, Investec Beyond Business go on the search for social entrepreneurs with the potential to make real, lasting and incredible changes in our community.
You may have recently set up your business or have a great idea for one, provided it has a clear social purpose, we want to hear from you.
Applications for 2023 are now closed. To find out about the 2024 awards, subscribe to our newsletter.
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 £20k 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
Our achievements
We have a very successful track record with a realistic proven business model that creates lasting benefits. Since the programme was launched ten years ago, we have:
- Set up 60 new social enterprises in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney
- Helped to generate a combined turnover of over £6m
- Created over 375 new jobs in east London
- Fostered a dynamic network of enterprises that support each other
- Given budding local entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to create a social business
How to apply
To apply, one founder must be based in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest or Islington and the benefits of your business must be felt in Tower Hamlets, Newham or Hackney. Your business must also be less than a year old, or even at the idea stage.
Applications for 2023 are now closed. To find out about the 2024 awards, subscribe to our newsletter.
For any questions about the programme please contact Kim.Hayman@bbbc.org.uk.
Exclusive sponsorship by Investec
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