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

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.

After four years of planning and an investment of over £550,000, THE CLINK, Britain’s first commercial in-prison restaurant was officially opened by the Minister Of State For Justice, David Hanson MP, at Her Majesty’s Prison High Down, Surrey, England.

THE CLINK is the dynamic idea of Chef Alberto Crisci, offering a practical opportunity for British ex-prisoners to build new lives through gaining catering qualifications while working in a commercial restaurant environment.  Startup hopes to hold an event at the restaurant in the not too distant future.

http://www.theclinkonline.com/