Shifting London Learning Programme – Start Up and Trade Up
About the Shifting London learning programme
Please note that the deadline to apply for the Shifting London Learning Programmes has now passed. The information is kept here for applicants to refer to during the assessment process.
The Shifting London learning programme is an exciting new programme funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme will support leaders in social enterprise through access to support, learning and funding. Each programme will equip leaders with the skills and networks to start and grow their social enterprise.
There are two programmes available: Start Up (for early stage social entrepreneurs) and Trade Up (for more established social entrepreneurs).
Both programmes come with a free learning programme running between January and December 2024. You’ll get eight learning sessions, one-to-one coaching and much much more! We’ll even give you a grant: up to £3000 for Start Up and up to £7000 for Trade Up.
The deadline to apply for both courses is midday on 30th October 2023.
Start Up
Start Up is for people in the early stage of setting up a social or environmental impact project, social enterprise or charity with an income of less than £15,000 a year Greater London.
Start Up will support you to:
- Develop your business and entrepreneurial skills and help you get started.
- Develop your resilience and leadership skills.
- Develop strong peer networks of fellow social entrepreneurs.
Topics covered will include:
- Setting up your organisation using a suitable legal structure
- Developing your business model to generate an income and develop financial resilience
- Developing your social/environmental impact and purpose
- Understanding your customer needs
- Keeping a work/life balance
- Building your support network
- Marketing, pitching and communicating your idea
- Self leadership and leadership of others
You can read more about the Start Up programme here in our application guidance and you can read the application questions here ahead of making an online application.
Trade Up
Trade Up is for the leaders of more established organisations with an income of over £15,000 that have been trading for at least one year.
Trade Up will support you to:
- Develop your business and entrepreneurial skills and help you grow your trading.
- Develop your resilience and leadership skills.
- Develop strong peer networks of fellow social entrepreneurs.
Topics covered will include:
- reaching new markets
- product development
- sales and income diversification
- personal resilience and wellbeing
- innovation
- environmental and social impact
You can read more about the Trade Up programme here in our application guidance and you can read the application questions here ahead of making an online application.
Additional info
Start Up information video
Trade Up information video