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ABOUT US

Business Launchpad:
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs

At Business Launchpad, we’re here to help young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 in London turn their ideas, passions, and skills into real opportunities. 

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Founded in 1988, we’ve been supporting young entrepreneurs for over 30 years, helping them navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and employment. We know that starting a business or figuring out your next steps can be tough, especially if you're doing it on your own. That’s why we offer fully funded programmes designed to meet you where you are. 

 
Whether you’re exploring a new idea, growing a side hustle, or running your own business, our programmes offer a mix of structured group sessions and personalised one-to-one support. You’ll get the tools, guidance, and confidence to take your next step. 
 

Alongside building your venture, we help you develop powerful employability skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills equip you to earn while you grow your business and create opportunities in whichever career path you choose. It’s a smart way to fund your future and gain experience along the way. 

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We’re here to help you grow with confidence  in business, in work, and in life. 

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A Community of Future Leaders

Our mission goes beyond helping young people start businesses; we are here to build a supportive community where you can grow, explore your potential, and shape your future. Through our programmes, you’ll strengthen your business skills, boost your confidence, and develop a mindset ready for both work and entrepreneurship. Along the way, you’ll make valuable connections, increase your financial independence, and gain the tools to become a leader, no matter your background or circumstances. 

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Over the years, we’ve supported thousands of young people across London, watching them grow from unsure beginnings to confident changemakers, turning ideas into thriving businesses and ambitions into reality. 

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This is a fully funded opportunity, made possible through the support of our funders and partners, meaning the programme costs are covered for those selected. Places are limited, and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to take your application seriously. Those who secure a place will gain access to expert coaching, tailored resources, real world work experiences and exclusive opportunities.

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Vision

​Empower aspiring young entrepreneurs in London, helping them explore entrepreneurship and develop employability skills through fully funded programmes.

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Mission

Transform young lives through enterprise by providing tailored business, employability, and wellbeing support, helping young people build enterprising futures through programmes, coaching, and a supportive community.

Values

At Business Launchpad, our holistic approach to enterprise is guided by five core values that shape everything we do. Our trained business coaches, along with our dedicated BLP partners, share a passion for creating future leaders. Together, we have helped hundreds of young people build their businesses and transform their lives.

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Accountability

We are transparent and responsible, always delivering on our promises.

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Collaborate

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We believe in teamwork, working closely with our partners and community to create a supportive network.

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Grow & Learn

​We champion continuous growth and learning, encouraging young entrepreneurs to embrace challenges and develop their skills.

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Young People at the Heart

Young people are central to everything we do. We tailor our programmes to their unique needs, ensuring their voices are heard and potential realised.

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Motivate & Inspire

We inspire and motivate by sharing success stories and celebrating achievements, fueling confidence in young entrepreneurs.

Impact

The impact of Business Launchpad has been transformative, profoundly influencing the lives of young people and the broader community. Engaging over 1,000 young individuals, BLP has provided them with crucial opportunities for personal and professional development.

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In the last year, with more than 500 hours of dedicated one-to-one coaching, participants have gained valuable guidance and mentorship, empowering them to navigate their career paths and achieve their goals. Additionally, the provision of several office spaces has enabled ambitious entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in a supportive environment.

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Financial support has also been a cornerstone of BLP's impact, with £10K distributed in micro-grants to fuel innovative projects and ideas. The community's generosity is evident in the £30K raised through crowdfunding, underscoring a collective commitment to fostering youth potential and entrepreneurship. These combined efforts reflect BLP's dedication to creating lasting, positive change.

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Join Us In Making 
A Difference

At BLP, we know that transforming young lives takes a collective effort. We invite you to join us in this vital mission. By volunteering your time, skills, or resources, you can help us empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Your support can make a tangible difference in their lives, enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.

Awards

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Best Charity of the Year (Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce 2024)

Certified Charity

Certified Social

Enterprise

London Youth Member

London Youth

2022 - 2025

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Finalist for Education and Training Provider of the Year

Board of Trustees

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Chair

Olu Olanrewaju is a chartered surveyor with an MBA and part of the Directors Programme at Cranfield Business School. 

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Trustee

Simon has over 40 years work experience. For the first 5 years he worked for large IT companies.​

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Vice Chair

James Wall has a background in Commercial Banking with a particular focus on the Charity...​

 

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Trustee

Hayley Butler is Head of Marketing and Communications at The Reading Agency...

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Trustee

William Sceats is a Management Consultant with comprehensive experience of transforming ...

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Trustee

Bianca Riemer is an executive coach who works primarily with professionals in the financial services sector...​

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Trustee

David Gordon is a solicitor who is advises businesses on wide range of commercial legal issues.

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Trustee

George is a project management consultant specialising in mixed-use major projects in central London.​

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Trustee

Akta is an experienced investor, with more than 10 years of experience in the start-up/venture capital space.

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