Support programme for Minority-led Social Enterprises in London

Step Ahead

Olmec, a leading London race equality charity, has announced a new programme of support and training for Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee led Social Enterprises.

The free programme – called STEP AHEAD – is supported by the City Bridge Trust and over 3 years aims to improve the sustainability of London’s existing minority-led Social Enterprises by helping them to improve financial performance, improve the way they measure and report their social impact and improve the way they respond to stakeholders. It will provide a combination of

• One-to-one support
• Training programme
• Networking events and Business Breakfasts

15 Social Enterprises will receive dedicated one-to-one support in the first delivery round. Up to 200 applicants will also be able to access the training and business breakfast events.

A Social Enterprise is an organisation which pursues a social purpose through trading activity rather than grant funding and is owned and controlled by the community, its staff or its customers. They include a range of organisations from Co-operatives to Community Interest Companies.

Step Ahead programme manager, Nathan Brown, said “We are encouraging applications from a wide range of Minority-led Social Enterprises and Co-operatives to reflect the diversity of London’s population. If you are BAMER-led, a Social Enterprise, and in London we want to hear from you!”

He added “Although the one-to-one support element is focused on established social enterprises, the training programme and networking activities can be accessed by start-ups and community organisations developing their trading activities.”

Further information and all application documentation can be found on the Olmec website