Locally led social business Wander Wild Forest School was recently accepted onto the Power Up London accelerator programme; a project funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Power Up London accelerator programme provides up to 20 participants with four months of intensive non-financial assistance including mentoring, business support, training, and networking opportunities, along with the possibility to access up to £22,000 in grant funding.
The programme seeks to support impact-first initiatives and organisations, which reach the most marginalised communities and promote inclusion in Greater London. Wander Wild Forest School has been able to create a space that celebrates diversity and brings the wild experience to urban communities. The programme has been a milestone that is pertinent to the business, allowing it to grow its capacity to better serve the local community.
The opportunity for grant funding also means Wander Wild Forest School will be able to explore income-generating activities such as bespoke events to support the sustainability of the business. As a co-founder, I cannot express how valuable programmes like this are. Half of all new businesses fail within three years of opening. Top reasons including lacking monetary means to keep the business going, poor market timing, and an inadequate business model. We’ve been given access to specialist support that means we’re starting out with the tools to succeed. We know of many amazing organisations in Barking and Dagenham addressing social and environmental issues and know this programme would be a great fit. We couldn’t recommend it enough!
By Zainab Omokhe
Local resident and co-founder of Wander Wild Forest School
Applications for Cohort 2 close on Friday 22 March 2024 at 23:59 (UK time). Visit the web address: https://www.bigissue.com/invest/power-up-london/
