Power Up London: Big Issue Invest opens applications for new investment programme

Applications are open for Big Issue Invest’s brand new London investment programme.

Across the capital, hundreds of amazing businesses and charities work tirelessly to improve the lives of underrepresented communities.

But it can be hard to get these initiatives off the ground. So Big Issue Invest (BII) – the investment arm of the Big Issue Group – has launched a new fund to help early-stage social impact organisations grow.

Successful applicants to Power Up London will receive grants and support, explains Gretel Dixon, accelerator and investment Manager of Big Issue Invest.

“Securing early-stage funding for social ventures is a challenging task,” she said. “Through Power Up London, we will be able to provide much needed funding and wrap-around support to help them become financially sustainable and grow.”

The programme will be delivered by BII with funding by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Big Issue Invest: How do you apply for Power Up London?

Power Up London is open to applications from London-based, diverse-led, early-stage socially impactful organisations. Initiatives, charities and social enterprises are encouraged to apply.

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To be eligible, organisations must be in the early stages of development, tallying an annual income below £500,000. They must have been registered within the last three years.

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Successful applicants will receive a fully-funded package of non-financial support valued at £10,000 that includes a mix of mentoring, business support, training workshops and networking opportunities delivered weekly over four months.

Participants will also benefit from introductions to other founders in the cohort, mentors and investors.

On successful completion of the programme participants will have the opportunity to access a grant of up to £22,000 for their social enterprise.

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The year-long programme will be delivered in two programmes, with up to 20 organisations per cohort. Cohort 1 will run from 13 November 2023 to 1 March 2024. Cohort 2 will run from 15 April 2024 to 22 July 2024. BII is currently calling for applications from eligible organisations for Cohort 1 before the closing date of Monday 23 October.

Visit this page for more information.