A London Freemason’s Charity grant of £10,000 has been given to the charity Launch It, to help young women in Neasden start their own businesses with a bespoke programme of training and support.

Launch It has run enterprise centres in economically challenged communities for over 23 years, encouraging over 11,500 young people in these areas to start and grow businesses. Providing affordable workspace, training, mentoring and other support opportunities for 18-30 year olds, they level the playing field, inspire hope and encourage underprivileged young entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses, enabling them to develop skills and have access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

The £10,000 grant from the London Freemason’s Charity will fund the Launch It Labs programme in Neasden, an immersive, sector-agnostic 12-week entrepreneurial programme focused on supporting young female founders facing multiple barriers to entry into business, such as scarce funding, inadequate support networks, mentorship gaps and other family-centric expectations.

The programme aims to create and develop long-lasting female-owned businesses with holistic support while building a women-powered community that fosters ideas exchange, learning and development.

Amber Wright, Launch It Out of London Development Director says: “We are excited to run our next Launch It Labs programme which focuses on supporting young female founders from underrepresented communities. The funding we received from London Freemasons will allow us to take our mission further; to empower these young women with important skills, mentoring and other opportunities to develop their business ideas and confidence, and have a good chance at thriving through entrepreneurship.”

Paul King of London Freemasons adds: “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to help fund the Launch It Labs programme in Neasden. Building on their work helping 11,500 young adults in economically challenged backgrounds, the new programme will focus on encouraging a new generation of women entrepreneurs.”

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 54 April 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons - Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 54 here.