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Programme Timeline


Sprint 1

  • Applications open: Mon 15th July 2024

  • Applications close: Fri 20th September 2024, 23:59pm

  • Cohort 1 Onboarding: W/C 23rd September 2024

  • Term Dates: Fri 27th September - Fri 29th November 2024

  • Induction Day: Fri 27th September 2024, 5-7pm

  • Pitching Event: W/C 25th November 2024

    Please view/download the INFORMATION PACK for Sprints 2 & 3 timelines.

Following the initial launch of The Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme in summer 2023, Ambitious Essex (Essex County Council) and Art Clubbers CIC are back to deliver the FREE programme to support aspiring entrepreneurs over the age of 18, in Essex, to launch or develop their early-stage businesses & projects of under 2 years, in greener ways!

The Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme 2024/25 programme is divided into 3 ‘sprints’ with each sprint consisting of over 30 sessions/workshops/events over the course of 9 weeks.

The total number of sessions will accumulate to 100 over the 9 month delivery period.

Prior to each sprint delivery - there will be a round of live application process to apply and join the programme in which we are looking to onboard 20 entrepreneurs per sprint. Sprint 1 Application is open now!


What you will learn:

Throughout each 9 week long sprint, the entrepreneurs will explore and develop a range of professional, transferable and self-employment skills so that they are better equipped into launching and/or developing their businesses in more sustainable ways. The sessions & workshops for The Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme 2024/25 consists of 6 main strands:

  • Business Planning/Development

  • Green/Sustainable Practices

  • Marketing/Branding

  • Finance/Funding

  • Personal Development

  • Pitching/Networking


Pitching to secure seed funding:

At the end of each sprint, a live pitching opportunity will be available to all aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to pitch their business ideas to a panel of professional judges. The judges will make the decision and grant seed funding for 3 winners: £5,000 for the first place winner and £2,500 for the 2 runner-ups.


For inquiries on this programme or the application, please email annie.dam@artclubbers.com

For full information on the programme, please view or download our Information Pack before completing your application:

Have a Question? Join our Drop in info session!

Book one of our online drop in sessions to find out more!

  • Tuesday 23rd July, 4-5pm

  • Friday 2nd August, 4-5pm

  • Friday 16th August, 4-5pm

  • Tuesday 27th August, 4-5pm

Sprint 1 Applications closes:
Friday 20th September 2024, 23:59pm

Eligibility:

  • Over the age of 18 - Mandatory

  • Study/work/live in Essex County & Greater Essex (including Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock unitary authorities)* - Mandatory

  • Have a green business idea OR business under 2 years of registration** - Mandatory

    (this also applies if your existing business/idea would like to implement sustainable practices but still needs to be under 2 years old)

  • Able to commit minimum 70% of the live workshops/sessions - Desirable

*All applicants including those who are not permanent residents of Essex must be mindful that the business in question must be set up in and/or trade in Essex.

**Definition of ‘Green Business’: Green businesses are those who operate sustainably in any sector without compromising the environment and natural resources on which our well-being relies. They balance the needs of people, planet and profit while minimising any adverse effects.

We positively encourage applications from marginalised communities including:

  • Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities

  • Females (including those who identify as females)

  • Disabled people (including people with mental health issues, long-term health issues or learning disabilities)

  • Travellers

  • Homeless

  • LGBTQIA+

  • People without qualifications

  • Unemployed/Low Waged

  • Working Class people