An award-winning charity in Hammersmith is helping entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the world.

Resurgo in Macbeth Street has launched their first ever social impact accelerator in support of businesses assisting everyone, particularly those who are often socially excluded and who may not otherwise be able to access this type of support.

The charity, which has been in H&F for the last 15 years, helps local 16-24 year-olds who are not in employment or education. A staggering 75 per cent of the young people remain in work a year later.

The local charity is running the new scheme at Landmark House in Hammersmith Broadway. Upstream – a new joint venture between Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Imperial College London - recommended Resurgo to the building's landlord Eastern & Oriental who has given them the office space for free to help the charity’s work.

That’s because H&F is determined to bring economic growth for all, and this includes helping to provide affordable office space in the borough as outlined in the council’s recent Industrial Strategy (pdf).

Growth for all

“We’re proud to have a charity like Resurgo supporting local companies who make sure no one is left behind in society,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for the Economy and the Arts.

“We want to build a 21st century borough that is stronger, fairer and more enjoyable for everyone, whatever their background.”

Resurgo has welcomed entrepreneurs from seven businesses with social impact at their heart, who are now participating in a 12-week programme.

The businesses taking part are:

• Luminary Bakery offers training, employment and community through employing women from disadvantaged backgrounds in their wholesale bakery business.
• Nightingale, a software company using artificial intelligence to spot mental health struggles in young people.
• Holos, a business creating ethical health products, including kombucha, a fermented tea, with the aim of supporting survivors of trafficking through the Sophie Hayes Foundation.
• Make Kit are a meat-free meal kit delivery service directing profits to fund meals for families in need.
• New Ground Coffee, bringing employment and training opportunities to ex-offenders through coffee.
• The Good Wood Workshop provides accessible education in construction skills for the unemployed.
• Ranwo removes barriers to employment for single mothers using a virtual assistant platform to provide flexible and sustainable work.

The programme provides coaching in business strategy, social impact measurement, marketing, operations and product development, as well as focusing on personal character development, purpose and leadership.

A great place to do business

“We are thrilled to be running our first social impact accelerator in Hammersmith,” said Gordon Eichhorst, Head of Resurgo Ventures.

“H&F is a great place to do business. There is a thriving local economy and a huge amount of regeneration, and we want to help make sure everyone benefits.”

H&F charity

With financial support from H&F Council, Resurgo has helped more than 5,000 unemployed young people get back into work and training in the past decade via its award-winning Spear programme.

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