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 FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF THE FIRM FUTURES 2021/2022 INITIATIVE ARE NOW OPEN.

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 - 2021/2022 Cohort

We’re now coordinating the start date for the next round of the initiative with the aim to start in the Autumn 2021.

For more information about the initiative or to register your interest, please contact us on firm[email protected] / Tel 020 7549 8181.

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About the centre

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 for the local community at little or no cost.
Garden Room

With its own private entrance and exclusive use of a terrace garden, this spacious and flexible room offers the perfect setting for conferences, seminars, training events and parties. It is a blank canvas to create the right setting and configuration for your event, and benefits from neutral, stylish décor and lots of natural light.
The Loft

The Loft occupies the whole third floor of the Community Centre, and has exclusive use of an entrance (ante) room, kitchen area and toilet, within this spacious and versatile area. It is bright and airy, and ideal for meetings, conferences, training, seminars or less formal events. Its exposed Victorian steel beams and skylight windows offer wonderful views over the roof tops of London.
What we do and who we help

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.
Studio

The Studio is a bright and exciting space for any occasion. Truly unique, this spacious room with its high ceilings and distinctive red walls will provide a striking backdrop to your conference or party. It includes a wall of mirrors with a professional barre for dance classes.
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What we can offer

We are a community hub in South Islington providing services, activities and events for local residents of all ages, including after school clubs, employment support and gardening for older people. Our large, modern community centre on Central Street is a great backdrop for our varied activities and we have several outdoor areas for visitors to enjoy.
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