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.

Please register your interest now. We'll circulate a link to the application form to registered participants once a start date is confirmed. The start date of the next round is yet to be announced and, due to a Covid-19 backlog, will likely be early 2022. 

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 early next year (date TBC). 

 

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