Empowering Small Businesses
to Become Supplier-Ready

Heart of the City, in partnership with MSDUK and Islington Council, is delivering the Islington Supplier Readiness Programme — a fully-funded, targeted support programme for small businesses based in Islington that want to grow through public and private sector supply chains.

This programme is designed to help businesses understand how procurement really works, build confidence in bidding for contracts, and strengthen their credibility as responsible, contract-ready suppliers. Through practical learning and tailored support, participants will develop the skills and insight needed to engage with new markets and take the next step in their growth journey.

The hybrid programme brings together face-to-face workshops, online peer learning and one-to-one clinics. Participants will explore public sector procurement in Islington, social value and responsible business practices, and core commercial skills including pitching and bid writing. Each business will be supported to develop a clear, tailored growth plan, with guidance from expert practitioners and opportunities to learn alongside peers and large public and private sector partners.

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.

Get monthly updates

"*" indicates required fields