Our Impact
We make a lasting impact on over 2500 entrepreneurs through our programmes and believe that supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs is a great way to give back to the local community.
See the difference we’ve made:
Mohammad Hashi
Co-founder, Brixton Soup Kitchen
Casestudies
Camberwell Fair/ Wormfood Music
From 1279 to 1855, Camberwell Fair was held every August. A local Committee for the Abolition of Camberwell Fair was set up by prominent residents who pressurised the parish authorities into buying the Green and closing down the fair with the help of the police. When Andre came to Hatch with Wormfood Music, he also came with a special project: To revive the Camberwell Fair…Camberwell Fair / Wormfood Music
From 1279 to 1855, Camberwell Fair was
held every August. A local Committee
for the Abolition of Camberwell Fair
was set up by prominent residents who
pressurised the parish authorities into
buying the Green and closing down the
fair with the help of the police.
When Andre came to Hatch with
Wormfood Music, he also came with a
special project: To revive the Camberwell
Fair.
We worked with him to assess his funding options and helped structure funding proposals to Southwark Council and the Arts Council. We went through the economic planning of the fair, establishing a business case for it and what the provided funding would return to Camberwell in terms of a social return on investment. Hatch also helped plan the evaluation of the fair, ensuring that funding reports and impact measurements were incorporated from the onset.
With the approval of the funding and securing additional private sponsors, 2015 saw the revival of Camberwell Fair and 2016 its continuation. Over 3,500 people joined on the day, with over 70% of them being from the local community. Over 80% of people who were surveyed said they enjoyed the fair because “something was happening again in Camberwell and it brought the community together.” The fair also involved many local organisations such as the Camberwell School of Arts, The Remakery, local designers and artists.
“Working with Dirk has been amazing because he understood what we wanted to do and applied his knowledge around fundraising, impact measurement and evaluation to ensure we’re doing the right things when it came to raising money and reporting on our outcomes. We secured over £100,000 in the last 3 years and we are excited to continue our work.”
Andre Marmout Founder, Camberwell Fair/ Wormfood Music
Sarah, founder of Make Do And Mend
When Sarah joined the Female Founders Accelerator in February 2017 she was struggling with deciding how she wanted to grow her business. During the course she was given the opportunity to relocate to a larger retail space and found course was helpful, as the workshops addressed the points of transition she was struggling with most…Sarah Bennett, founder of Make Do And Mend
When Sarah joined the Female Founders Accelerator in February 2017 she was struggling with deciding how she wanted to grow her business. During the course she was given the opportunity to relocate to a larger retail space and found the course extremely applicable to her move. Expanding her business alongside the course was helpful, as the workshops addressed the points of transition she was struggling with most. “I gained the confidence to make important business decisions that were coming up at that time.”
Sarah’s coaching allowed her to delve deeper into the topics most important to her and to set up good processes for sustainable growth. “The FFA really helped me realise what areas of my business needed more attention. It also forced me to take time away from the shop and really look at my business. This was initially quite challenging but I quickly learned how crucial it is if you want your business to grow. I’ve recently employed someone so I can dedicate time to continuing this practice!”
Shaine, founder of Hemp & Williams
Shaine Williams first had the idea to start a dairy free ice cream business when he ventured into a vegan diet and noticed a lack of vegan friendly options. After much experimenting with ingredients and processes, the 24 year old finally landed on an organic, vegan, dairy free, hemp based ice cream…Shaine, founder of Hemp & Williams
Shaine Williams first had the idea to start a dairy free ice cream business when he ventured into a vegan diet and noticed a lack of vegan friendly options. After much experimenting with ingredients and processes, the 24 year old finally landed on an organic, vegan, dairy free, hemp based ice cream. At this stage, Shaine admits, “I was an idealistic kid with a pipe-dream”. He had very little money, no clear direction and no resources. Shaine worked at a security job to cover his basic living expenses and was in receipt of housing benefits but he was desperate to break out of the social security system and to be his own boss.
“I enrolled in a Lambeth enterprise programme but abandoned it soon after because I could not relate to the general, classroom style teaching.” But this did not discourage him from trying another one, and this time he found a fit with Hatch Enterprise. As a young entrepreneur in Lambeth Shaine received full bursaries for Hatch’s Launchpad then Incubator Programme, where he clarified his idea, created a business model, and tested both his product and business. Shaine reflects fondly on his time at Hatch as an important period for learning and personal growth.
Since graduating Shaine has devoted himself to finalising branding and selling under his new brand Hemp and Williams. “It’s been a learning curve. I never knew how many steps were involved.” He has been in contact with retailers and restaurants around South London and hopes to secure markets for the summer. “Ice-cream isn’t the easiest sell in winter so I’m gearing up for summer when I can make the best impression.”
Despite living at home, he, like so many other entrepreneurs, works part-time to sustain himself and his business. But he is looking forward to the day where he can invest all his energy in his business. “I truly believe that people should be doing what they are passionate about.”
In February 2017 Shaine was awarded £800 through Hatch’s Opportunity Fund, which he intends to put towards branding and insurance costs. He also recently had an investment offer of £10,000 - an incredible accomplishment so early on! As is the case with young entrepreneurs, Shaine has no shortage of spirit, energy and dedication. Now equipped with practical business knowledge, a mentors and a supportive community he feels he can stand as an entrepreneur and follow his passion.
Maria, founder of Big Mouth Gets
In late 2014 we introduced Maria to the political social media platform ‘GovFaces’ and together they collaborated on creating an infographic on the House of Common’s Digital Democracy Commission Report (published in January 2015)…Maria, founder of Big Mouth Gets
In late 2014 we introduced Maria to the political social media platform ‘GovFaces’ and together they collaborated on creating an infographic on the House of Common’s Digital Democracy Commission Report (published in January 2015).
The commissioners of the report were pleased with the work, chosing to publish the infographic on the UK Parliament’s website with a feature on Big Mouth Gets.
After this success, we encouraged her to continue networking. After attending a Starbucks event, where she met the UK Youth CEO, the connections she made led to Bite The Ballot seeing her work and becoming a full-time client.
Maria asked for our advice on the new opportunity and we counselled her against taking a full-time position, as it would not build her business. Instead, we advised her to start a partnership agreement with Bite The Ballot, meaning Big Mouth Gets could work with other clients too. This approach helped the team work on amazing projects, leading to major clients, including UK Youth and recently the World Health Organisation. Big Mouth Gets has also had the opportunity to work, through Bite The Ballot, on projects for Twitter UK, Starbucks UK, UNILAD and LEGO. The team’s work has been exhibited by London councils on advertising boards across London, and has been projected on the Welsh Assembly.
Two years on we continue to support Maria, and believe that it was crucial for us to be there on her journey and to be at hand when she came up against challenges or major decisions.
Big Mouth Gets is now a growing self-sustaining business with a diverse client base, employing regular freelance staff and turning over 50k. With this growth, the business’s support needs are changing and Hatch continues to support Big Mouth Gets on its journey.
“Through Hatch we are constantly connecting with experienced professionals, getting involved with great opportunities and receiving invaluable advice on maintaining a lucrative, scalable business. Most importantly, the programme gave me more confidence, and a great group of mentors and friends who constantly support our venture every step of the way. Being able to seek advice on an ongoing basis has made all the difference.”
Toby, founder of Piece of the Puzzle
Toby Lyons, aged 29 and living in Lambeth, joined Hatch Incubator Cohort 9 (February to May 2017) with his non-profit organisation “Piece of The Puzzle”, a fundraising platform for grassroots educational charities around the world. With a background in international development, Toby had identified local, community driven charities…Toby, founder of Piece of the Puzzle
Toby Lyons, aged 29 and living in Lambeth, joined Hatch Incubator Cohort 9 (February to May 2017) with his non-profit organisation “Piece of The Puzzle”, a fundraising platform for grassroots educational charities around the world. With a background in international development, Toby had identified local, community driven charities to be among those that deliver excellent standards of childcare and education in developing-world countries, despite remaining underfunded and underexposed. Piece of the Puzzle’s aim is to connect tourists and people that travel and want to donate to the local community via the beneficiary charities in a transparent way, in order to increase access to and quality of education around the world.
The organisation was at a very early stage when Toby decided to embark on a journey with Hatch; he had just started connecting donors (friends and family) with charities in Goa which has helped a charity to pay for 5 children’s tuition fees. He was going through a tough time himself, being unemployed and looking for part time or full time work to support himself while continuing with his venture.
Hatch provided him with a bursary that allowed him to keep working on his project and to focus on the challenges he was facing. At that time Toby had just recruited his first corporate partner and wanted to be accountable to them. He was also willing to understand how to raise funds for Piece of the Puzzle to make the business sustainable.
Since completing the 12-week Hatch Incubator, Toby has made huge progress: he has not only grown his network (thanks to his mentor and to the connections made at Hatch Pitch Day) but he has also grown in confidence. Toby says: “I now feel that I am able to clearly articulate the steps needed to reach my business goals. I am very close to launching my venture in the first partner country.”
Vanessa, founder of Coco Gourmand
When I first encountered the Hatch program, I had already created an award winning confectionery brand. I was at a point where I knew my product was popular but I could no longer operate it as I had done up until then, on my own with help from friends. My cash flow was a big problem, pricing and general supply chain caused many problems not only in terms of efficiency but long term viability.Vanessa, founder of Coco Gourmandd
When I first encountered the Hatch program, I had already created an award winning confectionery brand. I was at a point where I knew my product was popular but I could no longer operate it as I had done up until then, on my own with help from friends. My cash flow was a big problem, pricing and general supply chain caused many problems not only in terms of efficiency but long term viability.
Hatch’s workshops offered clarity in terms of all the elements I needed to expand my business. They made me realise that I’m running a sales machine that needs oiling with the help of resources: human, financial etc. Being matched with my mentor really helped my decision-making process. I was able to really sit down and flesh-out every single aspect of my business, especially finance which happened to be my greatest weakness.
The on-going support from Hatch is really unique. I’ve been on other programs and although they were great, the follow-up is rarely there. However, I view the hatch team like family, they really care about the growth of my business. They often check-in, share and support our endeavours with their network and whenever there’s something that might be of interest, they include the graduates.
I've finished promoting my cookery book, Creole Kitchen, which was published by Pavilion. It’s been very well received and will also be released internationally. I’ve also launched my culinary tour of the Caribbean that stem from the pop-up culinary events I organised across London. Hatch has been instrumental in the development of my business, I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.
Female Founders
Our female founders programmes provide a unique growth opportunity for women to develop their business with support from industry experts, dedicated coaches and peer review.
Total turnover
£4.1M
Total employees
149
Thanks to the course I have learnt how my business should look like, how to delegate, how to build a team and scale in that way. I have also refined my business model and it made me really think about my business and how much I love what I do.
Elle Hosie,
Founder of Ellepreneur
Social Enterprise
Social enterprises are essential in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. We understand these challenges and can address them in a dedicated way through our programmes.
Total entrepreneurs supported through our programmes
105
Total turnover
£4M+
Total employees
200
I now feel that I am able to clearly articulate the steps needed to reach my business goals. I am very close to launching my venture in the first partner country.
Toby Lyons
Founder, Piece of the Puzzle
Young Enterprise
Our young enterprise programme enables entrepreneurs aged 18 – 30 from hard-to-reach backgrounds and on low-incomes to start a business that will provide the means for self-sufficiency.
Hours of 1-1 business coaching
90+
Total employees
112
The programme helped me to clarify my vision and motivation, which granted me confidence when applying for funding and approaching potential partners. They also provided valuable insight into social enterprises, which helped me pivot my business to make it stable and scalable.
Mentoring
Mentoring with Hatch offers a unique opportunity for businesses and professionals to work with a community that appreciates their skills, expertise and networks.
Mentoring Hours
11310
Entrepreneurs mentored
478
Total Mentors
165
“Being a mentor was a highly enjoyable experience, I felt that the time I contributed to being a mentor was mutually beneficial. The main highlight was seeing how far Lauren’s confidence and ideas developed throughout the programme.
Good Deals + Beyond Good Business
Good Deals + Beyond Good Business stimulates innovation and build bridges between corporate companies, intermediaries and mission driven businesses.
Twitter followers
2625
Website views
22501
Total attendees
604
The day was well organised and it has not only helped me to connect with other great entrepreneurs and intermediaries. But I was also able to learn some skills and knowledge in order for me to develop my business in a sustainable and impactful way.
Hatch’s goals
Moving forward, Hatch will work with a further 300 entrepreneurs via our programmes this year. To support our ambitious goals, we are now launching our first impact investment fund called “Hatch Opportunities Fund”, a £10m fund to support more entrepreneurs with vital finance, alongside our enterprise support.
By 2025…
£100M
Total combined turnover1000
Thriving community enterprises
5000
Entrepreneurs
Get involved!
- Become a Mentoring Partner
- Become a Hackathon Partner to engage a group of entrepreneurs in meeting a specific business goal.
- Sponsor a Hatch Award to directly support entrepreneurs going through our programmes.
