Support for 150 businesses announced along with launch of Green Business Programme
High-quality support, workshops and mentoring is up for grabs for 145 small and micro businesses in Hackney over the next six months to help them develop, grow and achieve their aims.
Hackney Council has partnered with Allia to run a range of programmes that will help entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to life; support established small businesses to grow their revenue, attract more customers and work with start-ups to help address problems and seek opportunities.
In addition Hackney and Allia are launching a brand new programme in Hackney - the Green Business Programme which is designed to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint without diluting quality or reducing returns and the benefits that can accrue from embracing net zero business practices.
This partnership with Allia is an example of Hackney’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in the borough in achieving their goals and helping equip them to meet the economic challenges brought about by a Brexit legacy compounded by the pandemic, now accentuated by the cost-of-living crisis, the threat of stagflation and the impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Green Business Programme sets out to deliver the Mayor’s objective to help businesses in Hackney transition to low-carbon businesses and work towards a green industry accreditation whilst creating more sustainable jobs for local residents. The programme will be run four times over the coming year and each one is designed to guide the creation of green action plans, establishing the impact of the business and work towards accreditation.
Andrew Brisbin, Director of Ventures at Allia said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Hackney Council and are inspired by the vision they have to invest in the community’s vibrancy and transition to Net Zero. Allia’s programmes will support entrepreneurs from all stages of growth and will empower existing businesses to start their journey towards Net Zero with practical, actionable steps for entrepreneurs.”
With a strong track record in the borough, Allia has worked with Hackney Council since 2017, when it delivered its programmes from a Future Business Centre in the community for four years. Its support has continued and grown - including running online programmes throughout the Covid crisis for businesses directly affected by the lockdowns, to enable them to pivot and build resilience.
Applications for places across the programmes to be delivered in Hackney are open, but space limits apply and places are likely to fill up fast. To find out more and to apply, go to the east London section of the Allia website or email the team at hello@allia.org.uk.