21 Jan New Incubation Programme to Support Community-Led Ventures in East London

The Bromley by Bow Centre, in partnership with Investec, has launched an exciting new 5-month incubation programme designed to help early-stage ideas grow into impactful, sustainable ventures across East London.

The programme is aimed at people who are passionate about improving health, safety, and inclusion in their local communities and who are ready to take the next step in building a social or environmental enterprise. Through a combination of funding, mentoring, and tailored support, participants will be supported to turn strong ideas into ventures that deliver real, long-term community benefit.

What the programme offers:

Successful applicants will receive access to a comprehensive support package designed to meet the needs of early-stage founders and community innovators. This includes:

• Up to £24,000 in start-up funding to help develop and test ideas
• Expert mentoring from experienced practitioners and sector specialists
• Tailored business and impact support, including governance, finance, and sustainability
• Opportunities to connect with peers, partners, and investors
• A Dragons’ Den–style pitching competition hosted at Investec, offering participants the chance to showcase their ventures and gain valuable feedback

The programme focuses on helping participants build ventures that are not only impactful, but also financially and operationally sustainable. All supported ventures must reinvest their profits for community benefit.

Who can apply?

The incubation programme is open to people who live in, or whose ventures are based in, the following London boroughs:

• Tower Hamlets
• Hackney
• Newham
• Islington
• Waltham Forest
• Barking & Dagenham

Applicants can be:

• Early-stage social or environmental enterprises (under two years old), or
• Individuals or teams with a strong idea that is ready to start soon

Applicants do not need to have a fully formed organisation, but they should be committed to developing an initiative that delivers positive outcomes for their local community. Ventures must have a clear social or environmental purpose and a commitment to reinvesting profits to create community impact.

Key dates to note

• Express interest deadline: 11:59pm on 15 March 2026
• Shortlisting and interviews: April 2026
• Programme start: May 2026
• Final pitching event: September or October 2026 at Investec

Building stronger communities together

This partnership between the Bromley by Bow Centre and Investec brings together deep community expertise and private-sector insight to support grassroots innovation in East London. By backing local people with strong ideas, the programme aims to nurture ventures that respond directly to community needs and help create healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

If you have an idea that could make a difference where you live — or if you’re already running an early-stage venture with community impact at its heart — this programme offers the support, resources, and networks to help you grow.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by 15 March 2026.

For more info and to apply: https://www.bbbc.org.uk/services/enterprise-support/