Background

Glow Impact CIC provide digital skills courses to disadvantaged young people. Trainees receive not just skills but also mentorship to help them enter the workplace. The team, led by driving force Babatunde Emmanuel, has an entrepreneurial spirit that it imparts to all its trainees. In fact, during the project, Babatunde was named 'Professional Rising Star of the Year' at The Black Scottish Awards. Congratulations Babatunde!

Need for Support

Glow Impact CIC is in its infancy. Whilst they'd secured a partnership with the local job centre for referrals of young people to their training courses, they were looking to increase their trainee numbers for a more sustainable business model. 

What we Did

Babatunde and Margot, Community Enterprise's marketing advisor, worked together to review and strengthen the CIC's marketing foundations. Margot shared case studies of other UK employability and digital skills training organisations to spark ideas, particularly focused on how these organisations grew in their early days. This highlighted new potential customer groups, and also provided reassurance that growth takes time. 

A digital marketing audit reviewed the organisation's website and social media, making recommendations to increase sign ups. Babatunde already had a strong presence on LinkedIn, so we looked at how this could be used to reach his target audiences such as potential partners and corporate funders. Guidance was also provided on reaching out to local and third sector press to raise the organisation's profile. 

Associate advisor Molly Greasley was brought in to provide guidance on fundraising - highlighting eligible funds, critiquing past funding applications, and advising on the application norms for different types of funds. 

Outcomes

Strengthened fundraising skills

Insights on how to use their LinkedIn presence for conversions

Recommendations to optimise their website for sales

Guidance on engaging with press

Case studies, serving as a roadmap for growth