YEA! Thamesmead is now open for applications!
A 10-week enterprise programme for 18–30 year olds to grow their business or idea and pitch for up to £5,000 in funding.
Wednesdays,
May 7 – July 9
| Thamesmead |
Free to join
Apply Now
Deadline: May 4th 2025
What is YEA! Thamesmead?
YEA! is a 10-week programme for early-stage entrepreneurs aged 18–30 with a connection to Thamesmead. Participants attend weekly expert-led sessions, receive 1-1 mentoring, and build community with likeminded young changemakers.
What’s Included:
Weekly workshops (business, finance, storytelling, marketing, more)
1-1 mentoring (6 hours total)
A final pitch day to win up to £5,000
Toolkits, peer support, and local networks
Runs: Wednesdays, 10am–4:30pm | May 7 – July 9
Location: The Nest, Thamesmead (3 Cygnet Square, Thamesmead SE2 9FA)
Open to: Anyone 18–30 with a connection to the area
What past participants say
Lydia-Renee Darling, Oh My (Gosh) Creative Co.
“I was really struggling to do everything
myself and with such big decisions to
make, I was in my head all the time.
Having peers, facilitators and a mentor
to talk to made me feel like I'd never
have to go through that alone again,
which is invaluable to me.”
“The YEA! Programme has been a crucial part of my growth as the founder of RE-US London. The programme has allowed me to learn key information about marketing, budgeting and the essential legalities of starting a business. Most importantly, the value of having a community of entrepreneurs to help each other.”
Chantelle Anonuevo, YEA! 2022 Winner and Founder of sustainable fashion brand Re-US London
Introducing The Alliance
Each YEA! programme is place-based. Here’s what’s happening in Thamesmead and other areas across London.
YEA!East London
Unfortunately, applications for the YEA! East London program are currently closed as we are fully engaged with our cohort of 20 talented entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for updates on future application openings and exciting opportunities to join our vibrant entrepreneurial community.
YEA!Lambeth
At this time, applications for the YEA! Lambeth program are not open as we have already selected our cohort of 10 promising entrepreneurs. Keep an eye out for announcements about upcoming opportunities to join our next cohort and benefit from expert mentorship, collaborative spaces, and a supportive community in Lambeth.
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur aged 18-30 based in Haringey?
Applications are now open and will close on May 28th.
Only 10 enterprises/entrepreneurs will be accepted, so apply early! Gain access to expert-led masterclasses, personalised mentorship, a co-working space and a chance to win up to £5K to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
Don't miss out—apply now for the June 7th start date!
Delivered in collaboration with Peabody, Clockwise Wood Green and The Mayor of London.
Jake Boateng, founder of Sanctuary Gardens
“I can now view myself as someone who can use an idea and create a profit from it, whether that’s for charity or a business.”
Hanifa Tejan, founder of Nini’s Cuisine
“I learnt so much about the world of business and how to stand out as a rising business owner. I never felt judged or inferior, though there were other business owners in the room that had gone quite far and achieved much in their journey.”
FAQs
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We are looking for entrepreneurs with early stage initiatives and organisations that wish to develop or grow their impact or income to become financially sustainable.
Participant Criteria:
Aged 18-30
Connected to or lives in Thamesmead (for our 2025 cohort)
Registered for less than 5 years by June 2025
Be looking to grow as a leader and as a business
*individuals with unincorporated organisations are eligible to participate but may need to register as a company or charity to access the pitch award.
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We’re especially keen to support the global majority community and women to promote inclusion in London.
We will prioriise initatives and leaders that:
are led by or working with people from marginaled communities in London, that fall into one or more of the below groups:
People from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic
People with disabilities
Women
LGBTQIA+ Communities
People with lived experience of a social challenge
People experiencing socio-economic disadvantages
Exist for the primary purpose of increasing environmental sustainability or are looking to improve their work on environmental issues.
Have an existing social impact track record or social impact potential
Are Peabody Residents (but this is not essential)
Are in the early stages of development and would benefit from help to build and grow.
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Applications for Cohort 3 (Thamesmead 2025) close on Tuesday 4th of May at 23:59 (UK time) but are rolling so we encourage you to apply early*.
1. Check that you meet our application criteria above2. Complete a written application by using the Apply Here link.
3. If successful, we will be in touch to offer you a place.
*Please note this is a rolling process and we will be accepting applications as we go, so it is encouraged to apply early!Application Support:
Join our info session online on the 30th of April (12pm and 8pm)
If you have any questions and would like to get in touch with the team directly, you can email us at team@localchampions.org
Still have questions?
Email team@localchampions.org
Get in touch to support!
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to support a young entrepreneur. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, you can tell your story to us and make a difference.
Previously delivered in collaboration with and supported by:
Economy of Hours
ECHO is an Economy of Hours, a social currency that helps you learn new skills and talents. Give what you can, take what you need, an hour for an hour.
Peabody Communities
One of the UK’s oldest not-for-profit housing associations. Their aim is to provide great homes and create vibrant communities where people can flourish.
Lendlease
City shapers, community creators and career makers. From Melbourne to Milan, Singapore to San Francisco, their projects are as individual as the cities and regions in which they operate.