HACKNEY IMPACT RELAUNCH STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS AND LOCAL BUSINESS GROWTH
Relaunch of Hackney Impact puts local entrepreneurs at the heart of Hackney’s economic future.
Hackney’s flagship business support initiative, Hackney Impact, has officially relaunched, bringing together leading local partners to help small businesses, social enterprises and entrepreneurs across the borough start, grow and thrive.
Originally launched in 2023, Hackney Impact has already supported hundreds of local founders through free mentoring, workshops, funding advice and practical business support. This relaunch marks a renewed commitment to empowering Hackney’s diverse business community, creating opportunities for residents to build sustainable enterprises and contribute to local economic growth.
The expanded programme brings together five delivery partners: Allia Impact, East End Trades Guild, Green Business Action, Hackney Co-operative Developments, and Social Founders. Each organisation will deliver targeted programmes and events, from business mentoring and leadership development to climate-focused workshops and community-led networking sessions.
The programme is funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, Hackney Council and Hackney Business Network, and supported by the Greater London Authority. Together, these organisations continue to champion Hackney Impact and ensure it remains rooted in the needs and aspirations of local businesses.
Cllr Sam Pallis, Deputy Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy
“I’m really excited to relaunch Hackney Impact to provide dedicated free business support to our much-loved local businesses to scale and grow. As a council we are doing all we can to support local small businesses thrive whether that’s by making it easier to contract with the council or through programmes like Hackney Impact.
This year, we’re particularly keen to make sure the opportunities are available to businesses from underrepresented communities, who we know form the backbone of Hackney’s business community. We want to build the resilience of these businesses by helping them become more sustainable and providing training to help them make the most of procurement opportunities from large businesses and the public sector.”
Paul Wight, Programme Manager, Allia Impact
“I'm so excited Hackney Impact is back up and running!
One of the things I love about Hackney Impact is the generosity that people have brought to it. Every day we meet people trying to change the world, or a bit of it in East London.
We've shaped this phase around what we've learnt from our experience of the last 2 years. And we're really excited to get going again.”
Douglas Racionzer, Social Enterprise and Community Development Manager, Hackney Co-operative Developments
“We are committed to alleviating poverty, advancing education, and overcoming discrimination. Over four decades now, we have supported initiatives in Hackney that promote human flourishing and the common Good. We offer affordable workspaces, advice, networking, and training.”
Moustafa Moussa, Business Energy & Sustainability Lead Project Manager, Green Business Action (GBA)
“Through Hackney Impact, we’re proud to have supported over 66 local businesses in improving energy efficiency, cutting operational costs, and reducing carbon emissions. We’re excited to continue this journey in the second round of Hackney Impact, helping even more local SMEs to grow sustainably, access green funding, lower costs, and take meaningful actions. This collaboration with the Hackney Impact consortium truly demonstrates the power of partnership in driving sustainable growth across our community."
Henrietta Cyrille, Coordinator, East End Trades Guild
“East End Trades Guild unites local businesses to strengthen the community. Our members provide social spaces, vital services, and we advocate for small traders who make the East End a unique destination.”
Caroline Diehl MBE, Founder & CEO, Social Founders
“Social Founders are looking forward to working with our consortium partners to deliver another Hackney Impact programme, including more Social Founders Forums, and another Social Founders mentorship programme, supporting and connecting value-led founders and entrepreneurial business owners across Hackney, and building a diverse vibrant ecosystem across our amazing Borough.”
Applications are now open for Hackney Impact’s flagship programmes. Businesses and residents can find out more, explore partner opportunities, or register their interest via the Hackney Impact website: Hackney Impact.