Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund launches

As part of Reed in Partnership’s commitment to supporting the UK Armed Forces community, we are pleased to be launching the Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund, in partnership with X-Forces Enterprise.

Since October 2024, Reed in Partnership has been supporting individuals leaving the Armed Forces to transition into civilian life through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP).  Now our new Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund will expand the reach of our support further into the community with a grant of £10,000 being awarded to support non-CTP veterans and other community members with the cost of starting or growing a business.

We are pleased to be partnering with X-Forces Enterprise, the leading provider of business support within the Armed Forces community, to deliver this initiative. The Fund was advertised to individuals talking part in X-Forces Enterprise’s Start-Up Skills workshop, a two-day course that gives people the skills, knowledge and tools to plan and launch a business. From this list of applicants, X-Forces Enterprise selected the top 12 candidates and submitted this shortlist to us for review.

Each of these 12 candidates received additional support to refine their business ideas, complete their applications and prepare for the next stage. Following a competitive selection process, we’re happy to share that two finalists have now been chosen to present their business plans to our expert panel.

Dan Lander, Armed Forces veteran and Programme Director of the CTP at Reed in Partnership, said:

“Reed in Partnership’s mission has always been to positively transform people and their communities, and the Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund is just one of the ways we can support and give back to those who have served and their families.

“The process of whittling applications to just two final candidates has been tough, given the quality of ideas and the determination of those involved. This grant will offer a significant opportunity to a worthy winner to help establish or take their business to the next level. I’m really looking forward to deciding on the final award and seeing what the recipient achieves next.”

Ren Kapur MBE, Founder and CEO of X-Forces Enterprise, added:

“We’re delighted to be working alongside Reed in Partnership on the Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund. Access to start-up capital is often the make-or-break moment for a new business, and it’s been genuinely inspiring to see the creativity, passion and determination coming through from members of the Armed Forces community. These are more than just business ideas, they are also job creators of the future.”

We wish everyone who applied for the Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund the best of luck in their business ventures and we look forward to sharing further information with you as we complete the final selection process.