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. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. There are two stages: Level 1 comprises monthly workshops open to an unlimited number of participants, including those who may not know if self-employment is for them. The aim is to develop confidence, business skills and self-employment know-how. Level 2 provides subsidised workspace at St Luke’s, mentors and more in-depth workshops to guide the participants through the process of creating a detailed business plan and launching their business. Ten individuals receive a grant of up to £2,000 to cover start-up costs. There would be an assessment at the end of Level 1. Your commitment and active participation in Level 1 of the project cycle can then take you onto level 2 of the initiative. 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. Firm Futures Example Timeline. Level 1 - 2022/2023 Cohort Date & time (10am-12noon) Workshop topic(s) Location Dec 2021-Early March 2022 Recruitment and promotion – Applications open St Luke’s 23rd March 2022 An introduction to self-employment and developing your business idea Slaughter and May offices, 1 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8YY 27th April 2022 Market identification, research and testing St Luke’s 18th May 2022 Business and financial planning St Luke’s 22nd June 2022 Marketing and creating a digital presence Slaughter and May offices, 1 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8YY 20th July 2022 Moving from benefits into business (1 hr) 30 mins break Meet the bank manager (1 hr) St Luke’s 17th August 2022 Legal issues: The basics Slaughter and May offices, 1 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8YY 14th Sept 2022 Presenting, pitching and networking Developing your personal brand St Luke’s W/C 26th Sept 2022 Level 1 Assessment – everyone is invited to submit an application for Level2. Final session for filling in applications for L2 N/A W/c 24 Oct 2022 Application judging N/A November 2022 Confirm L2 participants and mentors / L1 celebration event N/A For more information about the initiative or to register your interest, please contact us by email / telephone 020 7549 8181.