Business Support
Initiatives designed to help local businesses and community groups thrive.
For organisations seeking support and growth opportunities, the Southwark LAP provides resources and initiatives designed to help local businesses and community groups thrive. From funding opportunities to mentoring, our programmes offer a comprehensive guide to the resources available to help you take the next step
Our delivery partner Do it Now Now offers two key programmes designed to support local businesses and entrepreneurs:
The Southwark LAP Capacity-Building Programme is designed to empower early-stage organisations with the skills, knowledge, and financial support needed to build sustainable and impactful businesses. Delivered in two tailored support streams, this programme provides training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding to organisations committed to growing their work in the community.
For organisations with £0-10k annual income
Starting Up is designed for organisations at the start of their journey, providing essential training and financial support to help them build strong foundations. The programme focuses on business fundamentals, governance, financial planning, and strategic growth.
What Participants Receive:
Expected Outcomes:
For more information on Starting Up, Starting Out with Southwark LAP, please click here
For organisations with £10-30k annual income
Build, Hustle, Grow supports organisations that are ready to grow, providing training on income diversification, investment readiness, and sustainability. This programme is ideal for those looking to take their organisation to the next level.
What Participants Receive:
Expected Outcomes:
Who Should Apply for these programmes?
We especially encourage applications from women-led organisations and those led by individuals from underrepresented communities, as part of our mission to build an inclusive and diverse social economy in Southwark.
For more information on these programmes and other business support, please refer to our dedicated Business Support page or visit Do it Now Now directly to learn more about how their programmes can help you build and grow your organisation.
Community Engagement Events
Are you thinking about signing up to our programme, but not sure it’s right for your organisation?
come and hear more about the programme, meet the team behind the programmes and the wider organisation and have your questions answered in a relaxed, laid back environment! We have a number of physical and virtual events programmed between August and October, so feel free to sign up, connect, learn, and progress your social enterprise journey:
We’ll walk you through the support available through our programmes Build Hustle Grow and Starting Up, Starting Out, covering key details around eligibility, programme structure, and funding opportunities.
Most importantly, it’s your chance to ask questions, live and in real time.
19th August 2025, 12:00 – 13:30, Virtual Event (via Zoom)
To book: Click here
Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make when starting a charity or social enterprise. We’ll explore the most common legal structures, what they are, how they function, and how to determine which one aligns with your funding strategy, values, and operations.
16th September 2025, 19:00 – 20:30, Virtual Event (via Zoom)
To book: Click here
This interactive workshop explores how storytelling can powerfully communicate your mission, values, and lived experience. Whether you’re looking to raise funding, grow your community, or build a personal brand, storytelling is a tool that deepens connection and builds trust.
11th November 2025, 19:00 – 20:30, Virtual Event (via Zoom)
To book: Click here
