Launch It Labs x UKSPF Enfield Empowers Local Entrepreneurs

Intensive 2-Day Bootcamp Culminates into Pitch Final at Angel Yard with local young founder Jason Baafi of Crepparadise winning top prize.

After a packed two-day business bootcamp, the latest Launch It Labs x UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Enfield programme concluded on 04 March at Angel Yard, bringing together ambitious young founders for two inspiring days of learning, pitching and collaboration.

The programme is part of Launch It’s mission to support young entrepreneurs by giving them the skills, confidence and network they need to turn their ideas into real businesses.

Pitch judges Edward Southall, Esther Berry & Joyce Green awards Crepparadise Founder Jason Baafi the cheque for £1,000 grant funding for winning Launch It Labs.

CELEBRATING YOUTH CREATIVITY

A huge congratulations to Pitch Final champion Jason Baafi, whose sneaker cleaning and refurbishment business impressed the judges with its innovative approach to sustainability and entrepreneurship. By transforming worn-out trainers into refreshed, wearable footwear, Jason’s business highlights how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand in the modern startup economy.

The competition also showcased incredible talent from across Enfield. Special recognition goes to the runners-up:

• Leanne Karamani, founder of start-up consultancy House of Leap

• Sumayah Richards, founder of innovative athleisure brand Sumofia

• Courtney Wilson, founder of Good Days PR

  
  

All entrepreneurs delivered strong pitches and demonstrated the creativity and drive that Launch It Labs aims to nurture.

EMPOWERING LOCAL FOUNDERS & SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS

Launch It Labs was created to ensure young people—especially those facing barriers to opportunity—have a real chance to build something meaningful. Through hands-on workshops, mentoring and the final pitch competition, participants gain practical business skills while building the confidence to take their ideas further.

The programme featured expert-led sessions from Midhat Fatima, Alison Robinson and Joyce Green, alongside a judging panel including Ed Southall, Esther Berry and Joyce Green, who helped guide and inspire the next wave of founders.

The success of Launch It Labs was made possible through the support of Enfield Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), whose funding helps create opportunities for entrepreneurs across the borough.

In total, over £3,000 in business grants was awarded to standout founders, helping them take the next step in turning their ideas into viable businesses.

The pitch final marked the conclusion of the programme while highlighting the impact of the UKSPF in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and strengthening the local start-up ecosystem. Participants will also continue on to receive free expert mentoring on top of the business advisor sessions they previously received.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR LAUNCH IT LABS?

Following the success of the Brent and Enfield programmes, Launch It Labs will launch in Stoke-on-Trent this April, continuing its mission to support emerging entrepreneurs across the UK.

Young founders aged 18-30 in the Stoke area can apply now and take the first step toward launching their business. Go to www.launchit.org.uk/launchitlabs-stoke to sign up!

Launch It Labs continues to prove that when young people are given the right support, mentorship and community, they can transform ideas into impactful ventures. As each programme concludes, the journey for these founders is just beginning.

If you're interested to bring Launch It Labs to your borough or want to know more how you can help support aspiring young founders to build a hopeful path towards entrepreneurship, go to www.launchit.org.uk/partnerships or email info@launchit.org.uk now!