New Organic Entrepreneurs 2025 – 2028
Investment: £700,000 (£220,000 for Year One)
Goal: To invest in the next generation of organic entrepreneurs to boost and diversify the market.
The need
Despite the continued steady growth of the organic market (worth £3.7 billion in 2024 – double that of 10 years ago), organic entrepreneurs struggle to gain traction; there is limited access to startup funding, knowledge and peer support. Small business owners are stretched, and almost 60% of new UK businesses fail within their first three years. These challenges prevent the emergence of new, diverse, and vibrant voices and products in the organic sector.
Project objectives
• Scale the programme across the UK, reaching up to 180 additional businesses by August 2028.
• Support a broad diversity of entrants, focusing on underrepresented demographics.
• Increase the supply of organic produce across the entire food supply chain.
• Continuously evolve the programme to ensure it addresses real-world challenges.
• Promotion of, and advocacy for, agroforestry, including through case studies, Agroforestry Shows, ambassador network.
Project activities
• Train entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge to operate sustainable businesses – we will measure improved financial capability, business growth, and organic conversion.
• Build a supportive and inclusive community that encourages collaboration and shared values –we will measure diversity across participants as well as sustained relationships and networks.
• Provide mentoring from experienced professionals and facilitate networking opportunities – we will measure knowledge gained, confidence and networks built.
