Which Fund is Right for Me?

If you’re wondering how to fund your ideas and ambitions, you’re in the right place. 

We currently have two funds that support local people to turn ambition into action: Grow 2025 and  Give it a Go Fund. While both funds are designed by residents to inspire positive impact in the borough, they’re designed for different people, organisations and businesses.

Here’s a breakdown to help you figure out which one is the best fit for you.

Give it a Go Fund – Start Small, Test an Idea

Have you spotted a gap or a need in the borough? Do you have an idea that you’re excited about, but haven’t been able to test yet?  Give it a Go Fund is for you.

This time 11 residents who had either received funding or been involved in decision-making before chose the theme Children and Young People.

This fund is ideal if:

• You want to test out a new idea with your community
• You need £2,000 to cover basic costs like materials, space hire or refreshments
• You want to fill a gap in the borough
• Your idea fits the theme Children and Young People
• Your annual turnover is no higher than £50,000 

The application process is short and simple – just one form and no complicated requirements. 

Think of Give it a Go as a low-risk way to explore your idea.

Grow Fund 2025 – For Entrepreneurs with Big Dreams

Past idea stage? Do you have a venture that is ready to scale? GROW 2025 could be a better fit for you. This fund is for entrepreneurs and organisations that have a proven idea they want to grow

Applicants must:

• Have not previously applied and been successful in any previous GROW fund rounds.
• Be at least 18 years old on 24th April 2025.
• Be currently trading and have a turnover below £350,000 last year.
• Be making a positive impact, or have clear plans to do so, in Barking and Dagenham.
• Be willing and able to personally commit at least 10 hours a month throughout a seven month programme to share, listen and learn with other entrepreneurs.