GROW Confidence, Community, Possibilities
We’re searching for 10 ambitious purpose-led entrepreneurs who are doing business in Barking and Dagenham to take part in GROW 2026.
GROW brings together community-minded entrepreneurs to learn, share challenges, and build stronger businesses together.
The Opportunity
- £10,000 grant (non-repayable) + access to £5-15,000 to get investment ready
- Equity free investment from £25,000
- Group learning and one-to-one coaching
- A supportive community of entrepreneurs to help you GROW
- A chance to pay it forward – all investment repayments will be reinvested back into the borough
Intrigued?
GROW will launch at 18.00, Wednesday 4 March at 360 Workrooms in Barking. Register your interest by clicking below:
The GROW Community
Successful GROW applicants will join a growing community of inspiring entrepreneurs who are making an impact in Barking & Dagenham. Applicants must be:
- Over 18
- Have evidence of trading
- Having a positive impact in Barking & Dagenham, or plans to
We’ve already supported 18 businesses, with 3 taking on social investment so far:
The GROW Story
Created by local people, for local entrepreneurs. The GROW Fund is all about reinvesting in Barking and Dagenham’s success.
The idea came from a group of residents who chose to develop GROW so local entrepreneurs can create both a commercial and a social impact in the borough.
Everyone that applied in 2023 was based in Barking & Dagenham, 60% of applications were from Black-led ventures, and 70% from women-led enterprises.
Since 2023 18 local businesses have taken part, with three taking on social investment so far. Listen to Carole from The Boathouse Barking CIC’s journey on the 9 Miles East Podcast.
Contact Jack to find out more.
Jack Webb
GROW Fund Programme Manager
Thanks to funding from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, BD Giving will run GROW until 2027.