Heropreneurs
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Richard Morris
The UK’s first social enterprise to support Her Majesty’s Forces veterans to start up in business has been announced.
Heropreneurs, which will be based in London for an initial period of two years, will provide a package of funding and other essential support to help veterans of any age get a sustainable and viable business idea off the ground.
Founder Richard Morris, who co-founded Bright Ideas Trust with The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, said:
‘Heropreneurs has been set up to bridge a gap in support for veterans and the dependants of those who have been killed on active service. We believe that service personnel and their dependants deserve to be treated with the respect and gratitude for the unique role they play in society.
‘There is a huge reservoir of talent out there which isn’t being fully used. Many veterans find it very difficult adapting to civilian life and from recent figures we know that as many as a thousand are regularly sleeping on the streets of London.
‘Heropreneurs will also help the dependants of those who have been killed in action We have a social and moral obligation in this country to help these people and find positive outlets for their ambitions.
‘We happen to think that business creation is the best outlet there is, and we want them to consider getting into business so it becomes a natural option when they think ‘what do I do next?’
‘There are many hundreds of ex-armed forces who have engineering and technology backgrounds who could use their superior training to spark entrepreneurial ventures to pay taxes and create employment.
‘We’re promoting a business support model that moves away from handouts and grants and provides valuable bespoke support and mentoring. Of course we won’t be able to help everyone, and it will cost money, but we think the private sector will be more than happy to support our cause.
'Now is the time to give our veterans a promise that when they have done their service to this country and its people, its people will not let them down.’
