Supporting extraordinary entrepreneurs

Beyond Business is a social enterprise incubation programme which we run in partnership with the Bromley by Bow Centre. It aims to help promising entrepreneurs who are committed to creating sustainable, profit-making businesses which also generate social outcomes. The programme operates in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney.
 
Every year, successful candidates receive intensive support in business planning as well as training and expert advice through our Beyond Business College, which is run by volunteers from across Investec’s business.  These entrepreneurs also receive funding of up to £17,000 each, to launch their new enterprises.
 
To date Beyond Business has led to the development of 67 social enterprises with a combined annual turnover in excess of £5 million. Since we became the sole funder of the programme in 2011, 90% of supported enterprises go on to trade beyond their third year, compared to the national average of 50%. These enterprises have also created more than 350 jobs to date, which promotes the development of their surrounding areas.