Investec is built on the spirit of entrepreneurship and creating enduring worth. That is why we’re proud to support entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact in the local community by building sustainable business.
According to the Federation of Small Businesses, at the start of 2024, there were 5.45 million small businesses in the UK, which accounted for 99.8% of the business population. Sustainable social enterprises are a small percentage of that ecosystem, but they have an important role to play. They provide financial independence, improve lives and have a positive impact in local communities.
Our award-winning Investec Beyond Business (IBB) programme provides mentorship and capital to founder led social enterprises. The programme, which operates in East London, is run in partnership with the Bromley by Bow Centre.
Our award-winning Investec Beyond Business (IBB) programme provides mentorship and capital to founder led social enterprises. The programme, which operates in East London, is run in partnership with the Bromley by Bow Centre.
Each year it identifies up to five new social enterprises and provides them with an ongoing business support package and funding of up to £24,000. These enterprises tackle a variety of social issues, including youth unemployment, social exclusion, community cohesion, homelessness, mental health, rehabilitation of ex-offenders and food poverty. We also look to encourage engagement from under-represented groups such as women and ethnic minority applicants.
The entrepreneurs receive intensive support, including training and expert advice from volunteers from across Investec.
Since 2011 Investec has committed over £1m to the programme, which has launched 68 social enterprises*, many of them female-led.
The success rate of these social enterprises is impressive: they have generated a combined turnover of circa £10m* and created over 430 jobs*.
Numerous entrepreneurs apply to take part in the programme and there was a record 148 applicants to the 2025 programme. After an initial interview, a shortlist of enterprises is chosen to pitch to the judging panel. This year’s panel comprised Ruth Leas, CEO of Investec Bank plc, Dr. Marc Kahn, Group Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Deborah Sayagh, Head of Strategic Client Relationships, David Schluter of Fluid IT and former IBB winner, Eve Wagg, founder of Well Grounded. The panel hears pitches from the entrepreneurs and after careful consideration chooses the winners who will receive funding and further support.
* Data provided by Bromley by Bow Centre
Bamboo Bicycle Club reconnects excluded learners with education by delivering hands-on, industry-relevant, accredited programmes in sustainable design and mobility to open pathways into further study, employment or enterprise.
Feeling Social’s young and engaging team of experts provide flexible in-person and online mental health first aid training to help organisations build a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.
Round Retail sells quality, preloved, mid-luxury branded items online and at pop-up stores. The sustainable clothing solution provides sellers with one third of the sale price and uses the balance to fund local charities and fund expansion.
TrailFam aims to improve the lives of young people across the UK through trail running. Its programmes foster a love of movement while building a community of young people ready to connect with each other and the outdoors.
This programme is not only about funding promising initiatives; it’s also about providing visionary entrepreneurs with the tools to build a resilient, competitive and innovative social enterprise that is well positioned to make a positive mark on society. It’s a perfect example that demonstrates that the more you give, the more you get back.
What the winners had to say
“We are thrilled to be an IBB winner. This funding will significantly help Bamboo Bicycle Club scale our hands-on learning programmes that transform lives through building sustainable bamboo bicycles. The funding and mentoring support offered by Investec will allow us to expand and scale, train instructors, and reach underserved communities including young people and individuals in the justice system. This gives us a powerful opportunity to prove that practical STEM skills can rebuild confidence, strengthen family connections, and create pathways to employment for those who need it most."
“We are delighted to win the IBB grant. This support means Feeling Social can train and equip more youth practitioners with the tools to have meaningful conversations about digital, social media and mental health. Youth practitioners are on the frontline with young people every day, and this funding ensures they feel confident guiding those conversations in a way that supports resilience and wellbeing."
“We’re thrilled to be recognised by IBB. The support not only financially, but from the mentors and programme leaders has been invaluable. The process has shown us that fashion can be a force for good and our model is one we can work to scale. With our first permanent Round Retail store, we’ll be able to keep clothes in circulation longer, fund charity and community projects, and prove that purpose-driven retail deserves a place on every high street. It will also allow us to grow our community, create meaningful jobs, and offer a space where sustainability, style, and social impact come together. We’re so proud to be part of the IBB alumni and can't wait to continue our partnership in the years to come."
“Moments in a young person's life can have a profound effect on their future. In a world where young people are feeling increasingly isolated and cut off from the world, our work has already provided young people with positive, life affirming moments, connection and space to carve a bright future for themselves. Now, with Investec, we will open the outdoors and the many benefits of the sport of trail running to many more young people! Every young person deserves the right to access to nature and the outdoors. Thanks to Investec and TrailFam, every young person will one day get that chance."
Investec Group sustainability report 2025
Learn more about our commitment to sustainability in the past financial year.
Do you have an idea for a new social enterprise?
Project grants for charities
We support small and medium-sized charities through grants for specific projects. In the last financial year 2024/25, we allocated £68,322 to 20 charities for initiatives supporting their local communities. These projects included empowering young people to secure long-term employment and implementing financial education programs in primary schools. If you represent a charity that falls under our focus areas – education, entrepreneurship, and/or environment - and are local to one of our UK offices, you may be eligible to apply for a grant. Please read the full criteria below to find out more and get in touch.
Get in touch
Contact us to find out about our Out of the Ordinary sustainability programme.
We aim to help young people in communities local to our offices to achieve their goals in life, beyond academic study.
Learn more about Investec's work to reduce our environmental footprint, promote preservation and improve our local communities’ environment.
We strive to create economically active citizens that contribute to socio-economic growth in South Africa.