Starting your own business can seem like an overwhelming challenge. But with the right guidance, resources, and support, it’s possible to turn a dream into a thriving venture. That’s exactly what two young, local entrepreneurs are doing with the help of Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s Start Something programme.
This business-building bootcamp offers a unique opportunity for young people, aged 18 to 30, to transform their ideas into real businesses. After completing the eight-week course, which culminated in a Dragon’s Den-style pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Nathan Mubenga and Alisa Ahmed emerged as winners, securing vital funding for their businesses.
Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s Start Something Programme
The Start Something programme is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs from Haringey and Enfield. Aimed specifically at local residents aged 18 to 30, the programme provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and financial support to launch businesses and nurture ideas.
The programme is delivered by Enterprise Nation, and funded by Socios.com through their Socios.com Supports initiative. Together, these organisations provide hands-on workshops, one-on-one coaching, and the chance to pitch for business funding to help get businesses off the ground.
For the winners, Nathan and Alisa, this programme marks a major step in their entrepreneurial journeys, providing not just capital but the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Two Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Benga Bars & AlishEra Clothing Brand
Nathan Mubenga: Founder of Benga Bars
At just 23 years old, Nathan Mubenga is already on his way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Nathan, who grew up in Tottenham, launched Benga Bars, a brand offering delicious, handmade chocolate bars. As a winner of the Start Something programme, he secured a £1,000 investment to help fund the production of his bars.
Nathan said:
“I feel amazing. I’m really proud of myself and where I come from. Start Something showed me what the world of business is all about. It showed me the whole side of running a business that you don’t really talk about in school or online. It helped me believe in my product.”
The £1,000 funding will go towards marketing and content creation to help Nathan promote his bars and grow his business.
Alisa Ahmed: Founder of AlishEra
At just 19 years old, Alisa Ahmed is not only launching her own business but doing so with a mission. As the founder of AlishEra, a sustainable clothing brand tailored to women who wear a hijab, Alisa’s vision goes beyond fashion. She aims to provide inclusive and stylish clothing for a diverse community.
Alisa’s passion for her brand was evident during her pitch, and she won £500 to support the development of her business. In an emotional statement, Alisa said:
“I’m ecstatic! I can’t explain my emotions. I’m so passionate about this and wanted to present in a way that the judges would understand my battles and my brand. The support from the Foundation and its partners has been incredible.”
Alisa plans to use the funding to expand her clothing line, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability.
What’s Unique About the Start Something Programme?
The Start Something programme is not just another business training course. It provides young entrepreneurs with:
- Real-World Business Skills – Participants don’t just learn theory; they gain practical experience in how to run and grow a business.
- One-on-One Mentoring – Each entrepreneur receives tailored guidance to help them overcome their specific challenges.
- Financial Support – Through a pitching event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, participants can secure funding to bring their business ideas to life.
- Access to a Network – With connections to mentors, investors, and business experts, participants can tap into a supportive community of professionals.
- Personal Growth – Beyond business skills, participants gain confidence and resilience, helping them tackle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
The programme is a game-changer for young people who might not have the financial resources or industry knowledge to get started on their own.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The Start Something programme is more than just a business accelerator—it’s about empowering the local community. The programme is designed to make entrepreneurship accessible to young people in Haringey and Enfield, areas that may have been overlooked in the past when it comes to resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Damian Zabielski, Foundation youth, employment, and skills manager, emphasised the importance of the programme for local communities:
“We are so proud of everyone who took part over the last eight weeks. The programme was designed to remove barriers for young people who might not have the support they need to start their own businesses. This is about giving them the tools and the confidence to succeed.”
Looking to the Future
The success of Nathan and Alisa is just the beginning. Through the Start Something programme, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation aims to support the launch of 25 new start-ups in the next two years, helping young entrepreneurs in the community realise their business dreams.
The next cohort of entrepreneurs will begin their journey in April, and with continued support from partners like Socios.com and Enterprise Nation, there are sure to be many more success stories to follow.
For those interested in starting their own business, the Start Something programme offers a fantastic opportunity to gain the skills, support, and funding needed to bring an idea to life. If you’re ready to take the leap, applications for the next cohort are open now.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re between 18 and 30 years old and have a business idea you’re passionate about, the Start Something programme could be the perfect opportunity to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
You can register for the next cohort, which will begin in April, and receive the training, mentoring, and funding you need to succeed. Whether your idea is in food, fashion, tech, or any other industry, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation is here to help.
To learn more about the programme or register for the next cohort, visit the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation website.
Final Thoughts: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Start Something programme is a shining example of how organisations can help bridge the gap for young entrepreneurs. By providing access to resources, training, and funding, the Foundation is paving the way for a new generation of business leaders in Tottenham and beyond. Nathan and Alisa’s journeys are just the beginning of what promises to be a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With hands-on support and real-world training, there’s never been a better time for young entrepreneurs to take the leap. The Start Something programme is here to turn your ideas into reality.
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