Business Launchpad · Alumni stories

Alumni

Built by founders. Backed by BLP.

Real businesses launched by founders who walked through our Tooting doors with an idea and walked out with a company. Read their stories — then write yours.

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8 profiled founders
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372 supported since 2023
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£0 paid by any founder, ever
/01 · Profiled founders 8 Eight founders who built real, running businesses with BLP support — from a Tooting café to a Black women-led tech platform.
/02 · Supported in 2024–25 372 Young Londoners who came through Pathways, Career Connect, Business Lab or one-to-one coaching last year.
/03 · Cost to any founder £0 Free at the point of use, forever. Programmes are funded by partners so we can stay focused on the work.
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Annette and Francesca — founder of Yes Gurl
Featured alumnus · Hospitality

Annette and FrancescaYes Gurl

Before Yes Gurl was co-founded, it began as a simple online magazine by Anette, a vibrant corner of the internet celebrating everyday women, creativity, culture and honest conversations. But something bigger was happening beneath the surface. The magazine was...

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CommunityFloella Alto — founder of Dinizia Management
02 / Dinizia Management BLP alumni

Floella AltoDinizia Management

Floella, a seasoned model, has turned her challenging experiences with micro-aggressions and racial discrimination in the fashion industry into a force for positive change. Through her business, Dinizia Management, she...

CommunityKelsey Morgan — founder of Lawful Creators
03 / Lawful Creators BLP alumni

Kelsey MorganLawful Creators

Kelsey's story is one of passion, dedication, and turning a brilliant idea into a thriving business. As the founder of Lawful Creators, an intellectual property (IP) consultancy, Kelsey empowers businesses in the...

FoodKuba Hetman — founder of Pinch Cafe
04 / Pinch Cafe BLP alumni

Kuba HetmanPinch Cafe

Pinch Cafe's story is one of unwavering passion and delicious execution. Under its founder Kuba Hetman's leadership, the cafe has become a beloved spot in Tooting, offering a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone to...

CommunityNaomi Grant — founder of LAMBB Productions
05 / LAMBB Productions BLP alumni

Naomi GrantLAMBB Productions

Founded by Naomi Grant, LAMBB is on a mission to shatter stereotypes and redefine the way Black and Brown people are portrayed in media. From thought-provoking social commentary to captivating music videos, LAMBB crafts...

Tech Class of 2016Obed Yeboah — founder of Shapeways.io
06 / Shapeways.io Cohort 2016

Obed YeboahShapeways.io

Shapeways.io isn't just a tech hub; it's a springboard for young people to launch themselves into the digital world. Founded by Obed Yeboah, Shapeways.io equips young and aspiring individuals with the technical and...

Food Class of 2024Regis Gnaly — founder of Griot Kitchen
07 / Griot Kitchen Cohort 2024

Regis GnalyGriot Kitchen

When Regis Gnaly founded Griot Kitchen in 2024, he wasn't trying to build just another food business. He wanted to build a movement, a home for culture, heritage, and the kind of food stories that usually live in family...

BeautyShannon Fitzsimmons — founder of O So Curly
08 / O So Curly BLP alumni

Shannon FitzsimmonsO So Curly

Shannon is the dynamic entrepreneur behind O So Curly, a thriving hair tools and accessories brand. Specialising in satin bonnets, satin pillowcases, and various hair tools, O So Curly has made waves in the natural hair...

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