As a Community Interest Company we have committed to a number of community objectives. As a social enterprise, we are socially motivated, and this ethos is embedded within all the work we undertake. We aim to become a sustainable enterprise, through the provision of affordable services to our clients, consultancy advice in our specialist areas, and other mutually reinforcing activities. Surplus income is re-invested to develop and improve the services we provide to young entrepreneurs.

Our Community Objectives

1. Running a community network to bring together young entrepreneurs aged 18-30.

The community network will exist online and within geographical communities, to bring together young entrepreneurs to network socially and professionally. The network is a unique resource in the UK, it will reduce the feeling of isolation and connect individuals who are like-minded and keen to work together to achieve success. Bringing together young entrepreneurs will enable a collaborative exchange of information and knowledge to nurture peer to peer learning and support. Members of the network will pay an affordable fee, which will generate income to ensure the network is sustainable for the future. We look to encourage and integrate disadvantaged young people, within the network, working closely with the Princes Trust.

2. Providing a range of personal and professional support services for young entrepreneurs

3. Supporting young entrepreneurs within disadvantaged areas and integrating them within the mainstream network.

Striding Out will work with grass-root organisations to deliver support and training for aspiring young entrepreneurs in deprived areas. We look to provide work experience, inspiration, confidence, and support for young entrepreneurs who face multiple disadvantage, through mobilising peer to peer guidance and support amongst the Striding Out network. We aim to connect young entrepreneurs from different backgrounds and experiences to encourage knowledge exchange and learning. We intend to support both community, social and commercial enterprises, and raise awareness about entrepreneurial solutions to situations of need.

Our  Wider Commitment to Sustainability

Striding Out is committed to working towards the Sustainable Business Challenge set by us on a monthly basis. We believe as a small organization that every little bit counts, so we try our best! The Challenge started in March, so this is what we have achieved so far….

• Sourcing Environmental Packaging and Products
  Striding Out has actively sourced its printing requirements from printers using sustainable sources, suppliers include Kent Art Printers. We have also purchased recycled stationary and merchandise from sources such as e.g. Remarkable for events and The Big Leap Competition.
• Tapping in Student Talent and Providing Valuable Work Experience
  Striding Out has provided eight students with valuable work experience from high school and Universities across London, in the areas of marketing, social accounting, education, event management and administration.
  Heather Wilkinson, the Founder of Striding Out also delivers talks for a range of Education Enterprise Initiatives to School and University Students. Initiatives include Young Enterprise UK, University of Dreams, Bright Sparks etc.
• Supporting a local or national charitable cause, by fundraising or offering inkind support.
  In-Kind Support – We encourage all of our employees to engage in supporting a charitable concern, to offer their skills in helping others. We currently work with Young Enterprise UK to mentor a group of secondary school students who are developing a business.
  In-Kind Fundraising - Striding Out hosts a number of charity parties through out the year to raise funds for our charitable members or other organisations close to our heart such as CLIC, a charity supporting young children with Leukemia and Cancer.
• Engaging in Local Community Development
  We encourage our team and members to actively get involved in community related projects whether it's to offer pro-bono expertise, sponsorship or donation of equipment.  
• Disability Awareness
  Under the DDA, small to medium sized businesses have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ so they do not discriminate against disabled customers or employees. The Department of Work and Pensions has put together a Better Business Checklist for small businesses to anticipate what the need to consider and we are currently working towards meeting these standard, working closely with our Disability Consultant Simon Stevens.
• Using Ethical Venues and Suppliers
  Striding Out actively seeks to use venues that are responsible and ethical to maximize our social impact. We have used a number of social enterprise venues including The Hoxton Apprentice, Fifteen Restaurant, the Candid Arts Trust, and the Hub on a regular basis, and we have used organic caterers such as Skye Cooks.
• Managing Employee Relations
  Striding Out ensures their employees are treated with respect and that their needs are met professionally and personally. Employees are treated throughout the year with perks such as massages, meals and trips. Alongside this they are provided with an opportunity to continue their professional development through accessing training internally and externally as need/demand requires to ensure they retain high quality skills and knowledge in their profession