Delivering real impact for young entrepreneurs across the UK

In 2024, LDC and The King’s Trust co-developed and launched ‘Business Advance’ – a UK-wide programme designed to help young entrepreneurs sustain and grow their businesses through the critical early years of trading. Today, we’re proud to see the tangible difference it is making.

Since its launch, more than 2,000 young people have taken part in the programme, benefiting from tailored mentorship, structured business reviews, practical workshops and valuable networking opportunities. The results speak for themselves: 79% of participants report increased confidence, while 87% say their business knowledge has improved. Crucially, the programme continues to reach a diverse and inclusive cohort, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of background.

At the heart of ‘Business Advance’ is building skills, confidence and connections. This is delivered through specialist workshops covering topics such as marketing and strategy, tax, networking and goal setting, all designed to help turn ambition into sustainable businesses. These sessions are led by a range of experienced professionals, including LDC’s VCP Manager, Natasha Fisher, who delivers interactive workshops on ‘pricing principles’ and Top 50 Alumni Luke Consiglio, who delivered an inspirational workshop titled ‘Start Small, Serve Big: How to ensure your start-up doesn’t stall.’

This work builds on the wider impact of our long-standing partnership of which LDC is the leading supporter of young entrepreneurs at The King’s Trust. Since 2019, LDC has supported 7,352 young entrepreneurs and funded more than 2,800 Start Up Grants and Test My Business Grants. LDC also hosts marketplaces for Enterprise programme participants at key events, providing opportunities to showcase and sell their products. Since 2023, these marketplaces have helped stallholders generate more than £20,000 in sales.

The programme’s impact can be seen in the success of individuals such as Kwame Boateng, founder of Ingrained Oil. At The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders awards in 2025, Kwame received The Youth Ambition Award. He launched his alcohol-free fragrance brand after experiencing skin irritation from traditional scents, turning a personal challenge into an inclusive business idea. Through The King’s Trust Enterprise programme, he gained access to mentoring, funding and support, enabling him to grow his business and secure opportunities including showcases at the Black Business Show and a pop-up with John Lewis.

With more than 40 years of experience helping UK management teams to grow their businesses, LDC’s partnership with The King’s Trust plays a vital role in extending that support to the next generation of entrepreneurs.