Startup has been awarded £288,238 by the Big Lottery Fund towards its new Startupnow for Women project.   This grant means Startup can continue to reduce re-offending by giving women who have been in prison the opportunity to become self-employed. Over a year, 240 women will have access to personal and business advice with at least 60 going on to set up their own business.

Since 2006 Startup has given over 500 male and female ex-offenders business advice and mentoring with 105 going on to successfully launch a business.  Businesses started include gardening, personal training, hairdressing, web design and even a Buddy Holly tribute act!  Startup works with a wide range of selected partners to deliver its results.

Startup’s simple but unique approach of offering individually tailored business advice, covering basic start up business costs and mentoring for up to two years has resulted in a reoffending rate of less than 5%, versus the 65% national average.

So far, Startup has been funded by foundations and private support. This grant enables Startup to expand its operations; we hope it will also persuade the new government to back a major expansion of the men’s programme, which saves £9 of taxpayer’s money for every £1 invested.

Juliet Hope, CEO of Start Up, added “It’s wonderful that the Big Lottery understands the value of the work that we are doing and is supporting the Startupnow for Women project so generously “

The Big Lottery Fund distributes half of the National Lottery good cause funding across the UK.  The Fund aims to enable others to make real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.

For Further information please contact: Juliet Hope: 07918680011 or jhope@startupnow.org.uk

Following our Startupnow for Women Information Day on the 25th February, we have partnered with a number of organisations for the delivery of our Startupnow for Women Project.

On the 28th April we invited 20 women who have been involved with the criminal justice system and whom are interested in self-employment to our Startupnow for Women Event Pilot.  They took part in a self employment worshop and listened to an existing Startup client talk about his journey from prison to self-employment and the support that he has received from Startup.  In a very relaxed ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation three clients that Startup have recently begun supporting presented their business idea to the audience with the hope of receiving full support from Startup.  All three ladies were awarded Startup’s continued support and a financial grant to get their businesses of the ground.

Those women who already had a business idea had the opportunity to discuss this with a business adviser.

During the event our partner organisations all hosted stands giving our potential clients the opportunity to discuss courses and workshops that are available to them.

The day was a huge success and we have received some very positive feedback.

Startup hosted an information day at St Ethelburga’s in London.  The day informed potential partners, funders and mentors about the Startupnow Project for Women and how their involvement could benefit the project.

Juliet attended a discussion held by SJ Berwin and The Prince’s Trust on New Thinking on Prisons.  Speakers included  Jonathan Aitkin – ex-MP, ex-Cabinet Minister, ex-prisoner, author and broadcaster,  Edward Garnier QC MP, Martina Milburn –CEO the Prince’s Trust, Erwin James – Guardian Columnist, David Harrel – former Senior Partner SJ Berwin.