If you're considering applying to GROW 2025 this Note will help you understand what makes a strong application.
Read these tips before you start writing to save you time.
1. Keep it Simple
Use simple and clear language – no jargon! Write like you’re telling a friend about your business/venture. Local people and local businesses will be making decisions on your application so don’t expect them to know anything about your industry or what you do.
Make it clear and honest. While you won’t be judged on your spelling or grammar, we do need to understand what you have written. Check before you submit and get a friend to proofread.
2. Demonstrate Commitment to Barking & Dagenham
Does your business have a presence in Barking & Dagenham? If you’re not actively trading within the borough, you’ll need to demonstrate your plan and ambitions to do so.
Remember, GROW isn’t just money; it’s about building a community of entrepreneurs committed to making Barking & Dagenham a thriving place for us all.
3. Articulate Your Social Impact
Clearly explain how your venture benefits the community. Whether it’s through job creation, community engagement, or addressing local needs, your social impact should be evident in your application.
Previous participants include The Boathouse Studios CIC and Ultimate Counselling – very different businesses that are both able to demonstrate commercial and social impact within the borough.
4. Prove You’re Ready To GROW
GROW seeks ventures that are ready to scale. We need to know you have a plan to catalyse your growth and we want to know how GROW can help you achieve it.
5. Embrace Community
Be prepared to commit at least 10 hours a month to a seven-month development programme, which includes group learning and one-to-one coaching. Your participation is crucial to maximise the benefits for you and your fellow entrepreneurs.
Previous participants told us the community element was the best bit!
6. Be Open to Collaboration
The fund values partnerships and collaborative efforts. If your work involves working with other local businesses or groups, highlight these relationships and how they enhance your venture’s impact.
7. Highlight Inclusivity and Diversity
GROW has a track record of funding entrepreneurs that other funds often miss, including Black-led and women-led enterprises. If your venture promotes inclusivity or serves marginalised communities, let us know in your application.
8. Be Clear About The Money
What would you do with the £10k grant? You don’t need to be a finance expert but show us how you’ve thought it through. How will it help you reach the next stage? Remember GROW is not about funding projects or fixed-term activities we want to see your plan for sustainable growth.
Also be upfront about how your business currently makes money – trading is part of the eligibility criteria. Do you have proof of concept? Are you selling products or services? What’s coming in and how are you keeping things going?
9. Be Open to Social Investment
GROW is an investment fund and we want businesses to explore how social investment (money that needs to be repaid) could benefit them and catalyse their growth while maximising their impact. Being open to it as this is part of the eligibility criteria.
Clueing yourself up about what is before you apply might be handy!
10. Use AI but Don’t Forget Your HI (Human Intelligence)
While we love the efficiencies that AI brings, please also use your Human Intelligence to write an application that reflects your unique personality and ambitions.
GROW is a community-led social investment fund designed to support local entrepreneurs with big dreams for their ventures. For more information and to apply, visit www.bdgiving.org.uk/grow-2025
