Firm Futures

The relationship with the mentor was the key thing for me - he gave me confidence and practical support which helped me believe in myself and take my business forward.

Firm Futures is an initiative that helps people in Islington and the surrounding area, who are not in permanent, full-time employment, set up their own businesses.

Through a series of monthly workshops, Firm Futures builds the confidence and skills needed to set up a business and provides a free package of support including a grant, mentoring and subsidised workspace.

Firm Futures is delivered through a unique partnership between three Islington organisations that are working together to support local people in becoming self-employed: law firm Slaughter and May, St Luke’s Community Centre and enterprise experts B Consultancy.

The project was first launched in 2013 and has seen single parents, young entrepreneurs and those not able to find full-time employment secure a place. Of the 27 businesses that received support, 67% are still trading or are close to trading.

The businesses that have taken off as a result of support from Firm Futures include a branding business, a bakery, baby massage, yoga teaching, personalised embroidered gifts, mobile beauty business, a freelance photographer and a florist stall.

To Apply: Applicants must live in Islington, or in one of the following postcodes: EC2, EC3, EC4, E1W, E1, E2, N4, N5, N6, N7, N16, N19, NW1, WC1, and WC2.

The next round of the 2019/2020 initiative will commence in September 2019.

An Open day is being held at St Luke’s from 10:30am to 4pm on Thursday 25th July 2019. This drop-in session is an opportunity for anyone to register and to find out more about the initiative.

For more information about registering your interest for the next round, please come to our Open Day or contact us on [email protected] Tel 020 7549 81779.

The first workshop (for registered members of the initiative only) is scheduled to take place in September 2019. Details below.

An introduction to self-employment and developing your business idea (Level1)
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Registration from 10.30am, Kick off 11am
Location: St Luke’s Community Centre, 90 Central Street, London EC1V 8AJ
End 2pm, Lunch included

**FOR REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS ONLY**

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We own a large Community Centre on the edge of the City of London, a diverse area containing extremes of wealth and poverty. Our modern Community Centre provides a space for local people to gather and socialise, and for us and other organisations to deliver services and activities to the local community at low or no cost to them. We also work outside in the community supporting other groups and running community events.
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