Entrepreneurs find out what support the council offers small businesses to grow
More than 200 residents were supported by Tower Hamlets Council to be enterprise ready and £700,000 invested into small businesses over the last 12 months
The council hosted a celebration gala event today (Wednesday) to pay tribute to the entrepreneurs who contribute to the economy of the borough.
More than 100 businesses benefited from a series of programmes introduced by the council.
Last year, the council invested £700,000 into the following schemes:
- Think Start Up & Lean StartUp – which was designed for those looking to start a business without financial support
- Supported Access to Finance – which was aimed at those wanting to start a business while learning how to access and apply for funding.
- Women Mean Business – which supported 50 small, independent businesses owned by women
- Social Enterprise Impact Project – supported Voluntary and Community Sector organisations.
- SME Sustainability Project – Helping local businesses develop their sustainability practices
- SME Energy Reduction Programme - This project provided an on-site energy audit, tailored reduction plan and access to interactive workshops to help local small business owners, make their business greener.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets:
“We are proud to have a diverse range of local businesses from family-run enterprises and creative ventures to start-ups, light manufacturers, and small-to-medium-sized enterprises.
“We are committed to supporting local businesses to thrive and stay in the borough and identify ways in which we can attract a diverse business base – so that there are more job opportunities for people with different kinds of interest and skills.
“Congratulations to all the businesses who have worked with us, and I wish you all the best in your journey.”
Cllr Musthak Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Growth said:
“It is inspiring to hear stories about how many of these start-ups have been established and the difficulties they have overcome to become a thriving business.
We will be launching a further series of projects to support small businesses, and you can access free masterclasses and advice on our website.”
Roxana Florina Popa, who runs jewellery brand FLORINA Primordial accessed funding from Women Mean Business project.
She said:
“I am grateful to the council for being very supportive of small businesses and for offering training modules that speak to my business.
“The programmes reflect the two sides that my business aims to create change through: women and communities.
“The tools offered by the Sara Carter Consultancy have been instrumental to taking my business to the next level and bringing it more visibility within just 6 months.”
In June, FLORINA Primordial was featured in the ELLE Magazine's special issue for jewellery.
Roxana offered this advice to business owners. She said:
“Have a clear vision, clarify it even more by asking yourself, "What is it?" "What does it mean?"
It is always good to take time out, travel and let ideas come to you and not force the next step into the business – it is part of feeling change and direction.
Husband and wife duo, Mohammed Sheraz and Kashaf Butt, have set up online handcrafted and vintage jewellery boutique HVJ Collections with support from the council.
Mohammed said:
“We set up the online store in January and have been thrilled by the response from customers.
“Our goal is to have a physical store, but we are happy with how the business is progressing online. We have had really good feedback from customers and look forward to bringing more stock online.
Find out more about the support we offer www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/openforbusiness
Posted on Monday 28th July 2025