Stronger Together: Supporting London’s small business community

Running a small business in London comes with a unique set of challenges—from tight deadlines and financial pressures to the constant drive for success. However, one critical aspect often overlooked is the impact of mental wellbeing on business performance. That’s why Able Futures  is collaborating with Grow London Local to highlight their offer of a dedicated mental health support programme for small business owners, apprentices, and self-employed professionals. 

Grow London Local & Able Futures: A shared mission 

Launched in January 2024, Grow London Local is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across London. Supported by the Mayor of London and delivered by London & Partners, Grow London Local provides access to support, resources, events, and skills development to help local businesses succeed and overcome challenges of running an enterprise.   

Able Futures complements this practical support by addressing a critical but often underrepresented area of business success: mental health. For all SME’s, Able Futures offers confidential, one-to-one mental health support tailored to the unique pressures faced by small business owners. This includes support with managing stress and anxiety, coping with isolation, improving sleep, and maintaining motivation and focus—all of which are crucial for sustainable entrepreneurship. 

“Working with Grow London Local has allowed us to connect with small businesses in a much more meaningful way,” explains Debbie Burns, Business Account Manager at Able Futures. “Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to integrate mental health support into the broader conversation about business growth. We’re not just talking about productivity or profit—we’re talking about the people behind those businesses. By providing timely, free and practical mental health support, we’re helping entrepreneurs build resilience and thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances.” 

Able Futures ensures that business owners and their teams have the emotional and psychological support to use those tools effectively. They are supporting an ecosystem where business success is measured not just in numbers, but in wellbeing, sustainability, and community impact. 

Why mental health matters for business 

For Able Futures, mental health is a foundational pillar of business success. When business leaders are well-supported, they are better equipped to manage pressure, make strategic decisions, and maintain a positive and productive workplace culture. This doesn’t just benefit individual businesses—it drives broader economic stability and growth. 

Feedback from small business owners who have engaged with the Able Futures programme has been overwhelmingly positive. Many report that the mental health support helped them reframe challenges, improve decision-making, and regain a sense of control and confidence in both their business and personal lives. 

The benefits of the Grow London Local and Able Futures collaborating are already evident across a variety of industries, from creative startups and freelance professionals to hospitality and retail businesses. As these business owners gain access to both operational guidance and mental health support, they’re better positioned to adapt, grow, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

Strengthening London’s economy, one business at a time 

By working together, Able Futures is looking to expand access to mental health support, ensuring that more business owners and their teams can benefit from these valuable resources. As more organisations join forces to support local businesses, the positive effects will continue to strengthen London’s economy and its communities.  

By prioritising mental wellbeing, small businesses can create a more resilient, productive, and successful future of growth.

Speak to Able Futures to learn more about the support they provide.