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.
