Empowering local communities

Starting Up, Starting Out in London Now Now.

Whether you’re launching a charity, CIC, community initiative or are in early-stage business, the Starting Up, Starting Out ™ with London Now Now programme gives you practical training, hands-on support and tools to build strong foundations, strengthen your leadership and financial resilience, and create lasting impact in your community.

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Rooted in Community, Rising Together.

London Now Now is a transformative initiative championing inclusive economic growth and community empowerment across the city. Powered by Do it Now Now, with support from forward-thinking partners and funders, the programme is designed to equip Black leaders with the tools they need to thrive.

Through tailored funding opportunities, strategic training, and hands-on support, London Now Now strengthens organisations at the heart of change. Our focus is on capacity building, leadership development, advocacy, and financial sustainability, key pillars for long-term impact. We’re building a vibrant, resilient social economy across London, one that reflects the diversity of our communities and drives systemic change. Join us in shaping a fairer, stronger London for all.

About the programme

Starting Up, Starting Out™ (SUSO) in London Now Now is a six-week entrepreneurship training programme designed to support adults who are exploring self-employment, developing early-stage business or community ideas, or seeking greater confidence and structure at the start of their journey.

We are committed to supporting charities, social enterprises and sole traders earning anything from £0 up to £10,000 per year, to build strong foundations through practical training, expert guidance and peer support. Participants who successfully complete the programme will also have the opportunity to apply for the end-of-programme pitch competition and win up to £ 1,000 in funding to help accelerate their organisation's growth.

Programme applications are open to unregistered organisations, unincorporated groups, sole traders, charities, CICs, and social enterprises.

Our goal is to empower Black-led charities and social enterprises to become sustainable, resilient, and impactful forces for change across London. By working together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive social economy that benefits everyone.

Recruitment dates:

Applications open: 13 August 2026
Applications close: 2 October 2026 at 11:59 PM

Please note: Places are limited and will be offered to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to submit your application early to secure your place. Applications may close earlier if all places have been allocated.

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The Experience

Starting Up, Starting Out™ (Round 5) is a free, six-week entrepreneurship programme with CPD-certified workshops, designed to help you take the next step in your journey. Whether you're exploring self-employment, launching a business, charity or community project, or building stronger foundations for your early-stage organisation, you'll gain the practical skills, tools and support to turn your ideas into action.

Throughout the programme, you'll learn from experienced trainers, connect with like-minded peers, and build the confidence to grow your idea or organisation. On successful completion, you'll have the opportunity to apply for the end-of-programme Pitch Competition for the chance to secure funding of up to £1,000 to support your business idea or organisation's next steps.

What’s included?

Six online LIVE CPD-certified expert-led workshops – Take part in six interactive online sessions delivered by experienced practitioners with subject expertise and lived experience.
Practical business and enterprise tools – Reinforce your learning with practical worksheets and other tools and resources between sessions.
Peer learning and networking – Connect with other founders, community leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Skills and networking events – Access additional Do it Now Now events designed to inspire, educate and help you grow your network.
CPD Certification – Receive a certificate of completion for the CPD-Certified workshops.
Pitch Competition opportunity – Apply to pitch for funding to help take your organisation to the next stage.

By the end of the programme, you'll:

Have stronger foundations for launching or growing your organisation.
Have practical, immediately applicable skills to support your entrepreneurial journey.
Feel more confident turning your ideas into action.
Be part of a supportive community of founders, changemakers and future leaders.

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Eligibility Criteria

Status

Unincorporated organisations and individuals/solo entrepreneurs are welcome.
Registered organisations must have a clearly stated mission to support issues impacting London Communities.

Geography

To be eligible for support through London Now Now, your organisation must be based in or primarily serving a London borough.

Leadership

At least one DiNN Member - to become a member of the Do it Now Now community, please fill in this form.

Finance

Organisations must be generating an annual income that is £10k or less.
Individuals who have not yet registered their organisation should also be earning £10k or less per annum.

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Submit an EOI form to help the programme team understand how you or your organisation aligns with the eligibility criteria. This initial application captures key information about your business, charity, community initiative or business idea, including your goal and current stage of development. It is not a full proposal but sets the foundation for further engagement if shortlisted.
If your application is successful, you will then begin the onboarding process. The onboarding phase ensures that you have all the resources and guidance needed to participate in the programme.
We know that to achieve your goals, capacity building and, more importantly, tailored support is necessary to move in the right direction.
Session timetable: weekly on Tuesdays from 13 October 2026 to 1 December 2026.
13 October 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Welcome Session: This is an opportunity to meet the team, connect with your fellow participants, and prepare for the programme ahead. We’ll introduce the programme structure, key activities, and the support available throughout your journey, with time available for you to ask questions.
20 October 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Setting Goals and Milestones: Establish a clear vision for success and turn your ambitions into practical, achievable goals. You’ll explore simple goal-setting frameworks, productivity tools, and routines that work around the realities of your everyday life. You’ll also be introduced to AI, everyday automation, and the future of work, helping you discover new ways to save time, stay focused, and work towards your goals with confidence.
27 October 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Financial Foundations: Build confidence in managing your personal and organisational finances. You’ll explore practical approaches to budgeting, saving, managing debt and financial risk, alongside an introduction to investing, pensions, and long-term financial security. Leave with practical tools to make informed decisions and build a more sustainable financial future.
03 November 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Marketing and Branding Basics: Learn how to clearly communicate what you do, why it matters, and connect with the people you want to reach. You’ll explore practical ways to create compelling messages, strengthen your organisation’s identity, and engage your audience. The session will also introduce accessible marketing tools and strategies to help you increase your reach and impact, even with limited time and resources.
10 November 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Personal Wellbeing, Mental Health and Self-Leadership: Strengthen your wellbeing and develop healthier ways to navigate the pressures of work, leadership, and everyday life. You’ll explore practical approaches to managing stress, setting boundaries, and building emotional resilience, while reflecting on challenges including burnout, racial stress, and identity-related pressures. The session offers a supportive space to learn, reflect, and connect with peers while developing strategies that work for you.
17 November 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Building Relationships and Networks: Learn how to build meaningful relationships that support both you and your organisation. You’ll explore practical ways to connect with stakeholders, peers, mentors, and partners, communicate your value with confidence, and nurture relationships over time. The session will help you grow a strong network of trusted connections, advocate for yourself, and create opportunities for collaboration, guidance, and support.
24 November 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Pitching and Public Speaking: Build the confidence to communicate your ideas clearly and make a lasting impression. You’ll learn how to structure and deliver a compelling pitch that communicates the value of your organisation, project, or idea. Through practical exercises, you’ll strengthen your public speaking skills, develop your delivery, and learn how to engage different audiences, from funders and partners to clients and supporters.
01 December 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Reflection Session: This session is an opportunity to reflect on your programme journey, celebrate your progress, and identify key learnings and next steps. You’ll share your experiences, consider your personal and organisational growth, and complete a short post-programme survey to help us understand your experience and improve future programmes.
By the end of our journey together, you’ll have built a solid foundation, developed a lasting community, and crafted clear, actionable next steps.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to apply for the end-of-programme pitch competition and win up to £ 1,000 in funding to help action and support your next steps.

How we’ll work

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Testimonials*

Jowella

This learning experience has been truly valuable. It has equipped me with new ways of working more efficiently and effectively, while also strengthening my confidence and assertiveness when engaging with clients.
Kevin

This programme has genuinely helped me grow in confidence, clarity, and direction as both a student and aspiring entrepreneur. Each session provided practical tools that felt applicable to real life, from branding and storytelling to pitching ideas with purpose and authenticity. I especially appreciated the supportive environment and the way the sessions encouraged self-reflection, creativity, and long-term thinking. I’m leaving with a stronger understanding of how to communicate my vision, build meaningful connections, and take practical steps toward my future goals.
Iman

This programme has been an incredibly valuable experience for both my personal and organisational development. What stood out most was the genuine care, patience, and commitment shown by the team throughout the journey. Every facilitator created an environment where people felt supported, encouraged, and challenged to grow. I leave feeling more confident, better equipped, and inspired to continue building on everything I have learned.
Maxine

My experience has been both challenging and rewarding. It has helped me build confidence, develop my knowledge, and strengthen my practical skills. The support throughout the programme has made a real difference, and I feel more prepared to move forward positively.
Priyanka

I have been very inspired by the power of learning from not just the experts but from each other in this cohort. There is no such thing as it’s too late to learn or too late to start.
Zamin

I’ve learned the importance of working on the business, not just in it. This journey has shifted me from being simply a business owner to thinking and acting more like a strategic leader with a long-term vision.
Jasmin

The most transformative part of the programme was gaining the confidence and clarity to think strategically about our organisation rather than just focusing on day-to-day challenges.

*Sourced from Starting Up Starting Out Programme Reflection Form with permission granted for ‘Lasting Words’ quote to be shared.

Apply here to take the next step for your future

This is your opportunity to build the skills, confidence and connections to turn your idea into action. If you're ready to launch or grow a business, charity or community initiative, apply now and move your organisation forward.

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Why us?

As a Black community-focused infrastructure organisation, DiNN works intersectionally across the demographics and causes our community is active in. Over the past couple of years, we have been particularly active in supporting the sustainability of Black-led climate action, youth-led, lived experience-led, and strengths-based organisations.

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Application Support

We want you to have the best possible experience of this programme. Please feel free to get in touch with us so we can help you through.

Get in touch with us directly by email and we’ll get back in touch within 2 working days.
1-2-1 support calls are available throughout the duration of the Expression of Interest window.
This is an opportunity for you to clarify any questions you may have about the application process. To request a call, please email us. Please join the call with your questions prepared.
Drop in sessions are available following stage 1 of the application process. We encourage applicants to attend these sessions even when they don't have a specific question to ask because it is a fantastic networking opportunity as well as a chance to be inspired by the questions others ask.
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