ReLondon’s latest grant programme supported 10 London food business innovators. The programme focused on reducing food waste and enhancing access to local, healthy food.
This programme is a great case study. By giving circular innovators relatively small, flexible grants can transform supply chains and contribute to reducing waste. It also increased future-proof employment opportunities. As a result of the programme, 70% of grantees reported improved business health within 6 months. In addition nearly half creating or safeguarding jobs that require key sustainability skills.
The funding was up to £15,000 each.
What was the opportunity?
The transition to a healthier, low-carbon food system is where small businesses can play a big part. London already has a strong basis of innovators who are reducing food waste and eliminate food loss. They are also creating value from food waste, or improve access to locally grown food, which nurtures this growing ecosystem.
ReLondon leveraged £134,450 of UK Shared Prosperity funding. The funding was available to invest in small food businesses working to bring this vision to life.
ReLondon supported these businesses to strengthen supply chains and generate future-ready jobs, while advancing London’s circular food system.
The Results
ReLondon designed a grant programme to support promising solutions to scale their operations and impact. Ten London-based businesses were selected based on their alignment to a circular food system vision. Plus their potential to create positive environmental and business impact.
Applications for this funding were three times oversubscribed. This signalled the high number of established circular innovators in London, and their need for funding to scale.
ReLondon was impressed with the diversity of business founders within this sector.
Highlights:
- 13.1 tonnes of food waste avoided or diverted from general waste
- 4 new products or services launched as a result of the support
- 50% of grantees reached new and/or more customers or clients
- 80% of the final cohort led by women
- 50% led by individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic groups
- 10% led with individuals self-identifying with disabilities.
The selection process involved the Food Flagship Initiative, a collaboration between ReLondon, the Mayor of London and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to ensure that the programme addressed public and private sector needs.
Alongside funding, they provided grantees with six months of light-touch support, networking and visibility, such as through initiatives like offering the businesses Circular Food Pioneer Project status and connecting them to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s business community.
Learn more about ReLondon what they do click here.
What’s next?
ReLondon will continue to support and monitor the grantees through our business community and Circular Economy Matchmaker, facilitating ongoing partnerships and integration into London’s circular economy ecosystem.
ReLondon’s next sector-specific grant programme for circular innovators is underway: The
ReWear grants help grow businesses who are displacing Londoners’ need for newly made clothes, building on insights from our London’s Fashion Footprint report.
To explore how you can partner with ReLondon to tackle sector-specific issues through innovation grants, get in touch: business@relondon.gov.uk
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