Applications for a place on the programme will open on 5 October and close at the end of November. Those selected to take part will receive a detailed action plan for their business as well as further professional advice and equipment worth up to £1,000 to help with implementing changes.
The support is available for micro and small businesses, employing up to 49 people, that were trading prior to the pandemic. While 50 firms will be selected for the Pivot Project specifically, council officers will ensure that any applicants that either don’t meet the eligibility criteria or don’t quite make the cut for this programme, will be supported to access other assistance available wherever possible.
To register or to find out more please visit the Enterprise Nation.
Kickstart
Is your organisation able to create a role to provide a young person with the work experience that they need to begin their future career?
Would you like these costs covered by the government?
The government has now launched its recently announced £2 billion Kickstart scheme to help create hundreds of meaningful jobs for young people aged 16-24, who are currently claiming Universal Credit.
Tower Hamlets Council via the Supported Employment team is acting as an intermediary for the Kickstart scheme. We are keen to support organisations that are unable to offer the government’s 30 placement threshold but who may want to participate in this scheme, to establish quality placements.
These opportunities need to provide six month long employment roles for young people aged 16–24.
The government will pay 100 per cent of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. They will also pay employers £1500 towards set up support and training for people on a placement as well as other set up costs.
If you’re interested in providing a placement for an unemployed young person, or for further information please contact kickstart@towerhamlets.gov.uk or 020 7364 2869.
SKETCH
SKETCH is the umbrella organisation bringing together Queen Mary University of London’s offering of free services and support to the local business community.
Support ranges from advice and training on legal issues to individuals, SMEs, and social enterprises from the award-winning clinics within the School of Law, QMLAC and qLegal.
Similar support on finance and business planning from qNomics within the School of Economics and Finance.
A new venture capital fund for social enterprise start-ups through the School of Business and Management. There is also free business consultancy services through The Student Consultancy Project.
The free advice and support is delivered by Queen Mary students under the supervision of qualified and experienced lawyers, finance and business professionals who volunteer their services as part of their commitment to pro bono work.
Pay it Forward
The Mayor’s Pay It Forward London initiative, in partnership with Crowdfunder, has helped businesses to raise over half a million pounds thanks to over 9,000 Londoners.
Businesses are also able to apply for match funding through the platform from the Mayor’s £1m Back to Business Fund, which is now open for applications.
The fund has already helped much-loved businesses in London, giving them up to £5,000 in match funding.
Visit the designated Pay it Forward Crowdfund page for Tower Hamlets.