Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund

As part of Reed in Partnership’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces they are 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, they will be supporting even more members of the Armed Forces community with their next step into business.

The Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund has been designed to support non-CTP veterans and members of the Armed Forces community with the cost of starting or growing a business with the opportunity to receive £10,000 of grant funding.

X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), the leading provider of business support within the Armed Forces community, is delighted to be working with Reed in Partnership to deliver this exciting new initiative.

The Fund was advertised to individuals talking part in XFE’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, XFE selected the top 12 candidates and submitted this shortlist for review.

Each of these 12 applicants 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 an expert panel.

I’m delighted that XFE is 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.

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

“As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Reed in Partnership is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community, and we’re proud to be launching this opportunity. 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.”

I wish everyone who applied for the Fund the best of luck in their business ventures and we look forward to sharing further information with you as we head into the final selection process.