Register and launch your purpose-driven business with confidence
Start Strong is a free, intensive programme for ambitious solopreneurs, freelancers, independent creators, side-hustlers and first-time founders in Cambridge, Peterborough and Fenland. Designed to help you take your idea from concept to a legally registered, impactful business, it offers the tools, connections and expert guidance you need to build a sustainable, future-ready social enterprise from day one.
Applications for this programme are now closed.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
Allia Impact accelerates mission-led businesses from start to scale.
We work with entrepreneurs solving real-world challenges, offering practical support, expert guidance, funding and workspace to help build sustainable, high-impact businesses.
By connecting founders with mentors, partners, investors and opportunities, we’re building an ecosystem where businesses can start, grow and scale, creating commercial success and meaningful impact.
We believe business can be a powerful force for good, driving inclusive growth, stronger communities and a more sustainable economy.
Applications for this programme are now closed – register interest for future opportunities.
This programme is part of the Vision Programme - an impact and business growth programme for the social enterprise and third sector in Cambridgeshire. Funded by the UK Goverment through the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority managed by Social Enterprise East of England, and delivered by Allia Impact.
Prefer to learn online?
Can’t make the in-person dates or want to build your skills even further?
Our free, self-paced online learning programme gives you flexible access to practical business and growth content, whenever it suits you.
Perfect as a standalone option or alongside Start Strong or Scale Up.
Explore the online programme below.
For more information on the programme structure, how it works, or if you’re unsure whether it’s right for you: contact our Programme Manager, Marina Pritchard, at the link below.
Up to £5,000 in funding and expert support for businesses ready to grow
If your business has been trading for a year or two, you’ll know this phase well.
You know your business has potential, you just need the right support to grow it.
Tower Hamlets Support for Startups is a free programme designed to help you move forward with clarity, build a plan, and access funding opportunities. This programme is funded by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by the Greater London Authority, and delivered by Allia Impact.
Re-ignite the spark of creativity and passion for your start-up
The Founder Pitstop is a free four-week, in-person programme helping experienced start-up founders navigate the pressure of running a venture. This programme addresses a fundamental truth hurting many businesses: sustaining a venture requires not just operational grit, but the space to reconnect with the curiosity and creativity that fuel long-term resilience.
Combining reflective business support with hands-on creative practice, weekly workshops ran by Allia Impact & Madam Makery offer a different way to tackle the isolation and cognitive load eroding curiosity for so many. These workshops will allow founders to take a step back, think strategically to problem-solve the challenges they face, break routine thinking, and return to the spark that gave them a reason to start their business.
Turn your idea into an impactful venture
Start Strong Lewisham is a free 6-week business support programme for Lewisham residents who want to turn an idea into a business or social venture.
Whether you are just getting started or still exploring an early idea, the programme will help you build your confidence, develop your business idea, and take practical steps towards launching. It is designed to support aspiring founders from all backgrounds, especially those who may not have seen themselves reflected in traditional start-up spaces.
