The grantees will be selected based on the impact the funding will have on their business, as well as the social and environmental outputs of the project
Pizza Hut Delivery and Hatch Enterprise are moving their New Founder Programme partnership into the next phase with the introduction of a grant opportunity for participants.
The scheme is designed to help budding entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds start and grow their businesses into sustainable enterprises that have a positive, long-lasting impact on their communities. The programme, which has three stages, is hoped to create 97 new businesses and 300 employment opportunities. Graduates of the New Founder Programme’s Launchpad scheme can now apply for a grant for up to £1,000.
In addition, those who completed the New Founder Incubator programme can also apply for funding of up to £5,000 in order to grow their businesses with the Pizza Hut Deliver pizza franchise.
Groundwork, a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK, will administer the grant programme alongside Hatch, a charity supporting underrepresented founders.
Katie Mellor, chief people officer, for Pizza Hut UK and Europe said: “We are passionate about helping to open the door for a new generation of entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds – especially as, like our franchisees, entrepreneurs give so much back to their communities.
“Launching the next phase of our New Founder Programme with Hatch and Groundwork through this grant scheme is the perfect step to continue supporting more underrepresented business leaders to grow their businesses and thrive.”
The New Founder Programme has supported 440 entrepreneurs and 57 new businesses with an aim to reach 1,025 entrepreneurs.