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Empowering Small Businesses

to Become Supplier-Ready

The Islington Supplier Readiness Programme supports local businesses to become confident, contract-ready suppliers — helping you understand procurement, strengthen your supplier offer, and access opportunities in public and private sector supply chains.

Delivered by Heart of the City in partnership with MSDUK and Islington Council, this fully funded programme is designed for small businesses based in Islington that want practical support to grow through procurement and new markets.

Through a hybrid programme of in-person workshops, online peer learning and one-to-one clinics, participants gain a clear understanding of how procurement really works — locally in Islington and beyond. The programme covers public sector procurement, social value and responsible business practices, and essential commercial skills such as pitching and bid writing.

Each business is supported to develop a tailored growth and supplier-readiness plan, with expert guidance, peer-to-peer learning, and opportunities to connect with large public and private sector partners — helping turn insight into action and ambition into opportunity.

“The programme helped clarify how procurement works and how I can position my business.” — Anurah Alonzo Farrell, JUSTLIT London

“I’ve gained knowledge, confidence and a clearer understanding of procurement and bidding.” — Elsie Ocran, GGLOW

Who can apply?

To be eligible for fully funded support through the Islington Supplier Readiness programme, your business must:

  • Be based in Islington
  • Be registered in the UK
  • Meet the Micro and Small enterprise criteria (see here)
  • Have a minimum of 2 employees (including part-time or freelancer collaborators)

We particularly welcome applications from business owners from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Programme

The programme is made up of three core modules delivered through a mix of workshops, peer learning and one-to-one guidance.

The programme includes:

  • Three interactive workshops covering:

  • Introduction to procurement
  • Social value
  • Introduction to successful bidding
  • Two online peer-to-peer sessions, focused on:

  • Developing a practical business growth plan

  • Embedding social value into your business

  • One one-to-one clinic with an expert during the programme

  • Two follow-up one-to-one clinics later in the year to support continued progress after completion

Additional benefits include invitations to networking, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing events.

Applications are now open — see below for details.

Key Dates

Upcoming Cohort:

  • Recruitment; open now! Closing on Friday 12 February
  • Places confirmation to participants; w/c 12 February
  • Onboarding session; Monday 23 February 12.00 – 13.00 – Online
  • One-to-one clinic 1; Monday 2 March up to 30 mins per participant – Online
  • Module 1: Introduction to procurement; Monday 9 March 9.30 – 13.00 – In person in an Islington based location
  • Peer to peer session 1: Business growth planning; Friday 13 March 12.00 – 13.00 – Online
  • Module 2: Social value for SMEs; Monday 16 March 10.00 – 12.00 – Online
  • Peer to peer session 2: Social value; Friday 20 March 12.00 – 13.00 – Online
  • Module 3: Introduction to successful bidding; Monday 23 March 9.30 – 15.00 – In person in an Islington based location
  • One-to-one clinic 2; Thursday 9 April up to 30 mins per participant – Online
  • One-to-one clinic 3; Monday 8 June up to 30 mins per participant – Online

Registration

Ready to grow your business through procurement?

Apply now and join a community of businesses building the capabilities and confidence to win contracts and make a difference to people and planet.

Applications for the Islington Supplier Readiness programme are now open!

 

For any queries, please contact us at info@theheartofthecity.com.

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