Local London Trailblazers
Free Business Start-Up Support for Economically Inactive Residents
Explore, develop and launch a viable business with free support across Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Havering and Redbridge.
180
Places Available
5
London Boroughs
£5k
Grants Available
Free
To Participate
Delivered in partnership with
Project Overview
The Local London Trailblazers Business Start Up Programme is delivered in partnership by Gateley Global (GG) and European Innovation (EI) as part of Local London's Economic Inactivity Trailblazer initiative, funded by the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions. The programme supports economically inactive residents who are interested in self-employment, providing flexible pathways toward sustainable financial independence.
GG & EI Partnership
Gateley Global and European Innovation bring proven start-up, accelerator and inclusion-led delivery capability to the programme.
Community-Embedded
A local, data-led and community-embedded approach aligned to Local London priorities across five boroughs.
Five Boroughs
Supporting residents in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Havering and Redbridge with personalised, culturally proportionate support.
What We're Here to Achieve
180
Residents Registered
Support at least 180 residents to register for the programme by 31st March 2026.
130
Business Plans
Guide 130 residents through the creation of clear, realistic business plans.
55
Businesses Registered
Help 55 residents register their businesses through Companies House or obtain a UTR.
£5k
Start-Up Grants
Assess readiness for start-up grants of up to £5,000 for eligible residents who are ready to launch.
How We Reach You
Who Is It For?
- Economically inactive residents in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Havering or Redbridge
- People interested in self-employment or entrepreneurship as a route to financial independence
- Priority groups including carers, disabled residents and ethnic minority communities
- Anyone facing barriers such as low confidence, digital exclusion or limited awareness of self-employment
Community-Based Recruitment
- Faith groups, women's networks and community associations
- Children's centres, carers' networks and disability advocacy groups
- Pop-up enterprise cafés and local hub-based drop-in sessions
- Referral pathways via Jobcentre Plus, councils and borough employability services
Marketing & Outreach
- Borough-branded offline marketing to reduce digital exclusion
- Short-form social media video content and testimonials
- Programme microsite using Local London branding
- Co-location with existing local provision where possible
Accessible to Everyone
We are committed to ensuring the programme is inclusive, accessible and reflective of the diverse communities across Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Havering and Redbridge.
Demographic Monitoring
Monitoring of participation across demographics, ensuring fair representation of priority groups.
Hybrid Delivery
Hybrid delivery model with accessible venues and online options so everyone can participate, regardless of circumstances.
Language & Accessibility
Use of translators, plain English materials and relatable role models from local communities.
What You'll Get
The programme offers a comprehensive range of support tailored to your circumstances, business idea and stage of readiness. Delivered in partnership by Gateley Global and European Innovation.
1-2-1 Enterprise Support
Tailored, practical advice aligned to your business idea, stage and circumstances — covering planning, pricing, marketing and next steps.
Group Workshops
Interactive workshops on starting a business, financial literacy, marketing, social media, digital skills and confidence building.
Mentoring & Guidance
Access to experienced mentors who provide encouragement, challenge assumptions and share real-world business insights.
AI & Digital Tools
Practical guidance on using AI and digital tools like ChatGPT and Canva to improve marketing, content creation and efficiency.
Business Planning
Support to develop a clear, realistic business plan — understanding costs, pricing, cashflow, customers and routes to market.
Grant Readiness
Guidance to help you understand what's required for start-up grants of up to £5,000, including assessing business readiness.
Local Networks
Connections to borough-level networks, local enterprise activity and relevant business support services.
Flexible & Inclusive
Support designed around your circumstances — caring responsibilities, health conditions, confidence levels and digital access.
Your Programme Team
Delivered by Gateley Global, European Innovation and dedicated Business Advisors across all 5 boroughs.
Your Journey With Us
The programme guides you step by step — from your initial expression of interest through to launching your business.
Expression of Interest
Sign up via the form below or through a referral partner. We'll get in touch to discuss the programme and what you're looking for.
Eligibility & Onboarding
We check your eligibility based on your borough and circumstances, then pair you with a dedicated Business Advisor.
Action Plan
Work with your advisor to create a personalised action plan with milestones tailored to your goals and readiness.
Business Plan
Develop a clear, realistic business plan covering pricing, costs, cashflow, customers and your route to market.
Mobilise & Launch
Register your business, access start-up grant funding where eligible, and begin trading with ongoing support.
Delivered in Partnership
- Gateley Global and European Innovation lead local delivery across all five boroughs
- Dedicated Business Advisors deployed to support each participant
- Coordination with borough partners, Jobcentre Plus and referral organisations
- Ongoing monitoring of KPIs, diversity metrics and outcomes
Building a Lasting Legacy
Enterprise Participation
Increased self-employment and enterprise participation across five London boroughs, with 55+ new businesses registered.
Stronger Ecosystem
Stronger local enterprise ecosystem and role models inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs in every borough.
Replicable Model
A replicable delivery model contributing findings and insights to the wider Local London Trailblazer initiative.
Sign Up Now
Ready to explore self-employment or start a business? Complete the form below and a Business Advisor will be in touch. The programme is completely free for eligible residents.
Completely free for eligible residents
Dedicated Business Advisor assigned to you
No business experience required
Flexible support around your circumstances
Opens the registration form — takes about 2 minutes to complete
Your information is kept confidential and will only be used to contact you about this programme.