CBEA Finalists

Best Charity or Social Enterprise

We recently entered the awards as an organisation that provides valuable local community services and is focused on making the sector sustainable for the future.

StartUp Croydon are an established and well-respected independent organisation in Croydon and have been assisting local people for over 33 years to improve their lives and those of others by starting their own business or gaining employment.

Following a move to a new dedicated business centre – Weatherill House – we have continued to support startups and SMEs through training courses and 1-1 sessions, however, this year has seen a significant change and increase in our activities in raising awareness of and the support for startups, small businesses and social enterprises.

As well as a major re-brand to StartUp Croydon which clearly identifies and aligns with our main focus/target group, we have been working with existing partners and new organisations in designing and delivering initiatives to help support more local people to start their own business or social enterprise so that they can help themselves but also the local community as well.  Click here for more information.

We also look to support other social enterprises and organisations that assist disadvantaged or disengaged groups.  One such initiative, Be The Change, allowed us to take part as youth mentors in a collaboration between LoveLocalJobs.com and social enterprise Humanutopia.

Be the Change is a ground breaking, inspirational programme aimed at year 9 students who, for one reason or another, may have become disengaged with school or lack confidence in their own abilities; who may struggle academically, but have real potential once engaged in an activity that captures their imagination. The programme focuses on happiness, confidence, hope, relationships and employability and encourages students to identify their personal barriers.

Winning the Best Charity or Social Enterprise category would help us raise our profile even further so that we can reach more people that need our assistance.

We would like to wish all entrants and finalists good luck with their entry.