WHERE WE STARTED
PBC's hyper-local approach
The Portobello Business Centre CIC (PBC) is one of the longest running walk-in business support centres in London.
For over 30 years we've supported over 15,000 individuals and businesses with entrepreneurship, social mobility and economic inclusion.
We are a nationally acclaimed social enterprise, dedicated to helping people from all backgrounds start, grow and expand their businesses.
PBC's services offer aspiring and established entrepreneurs useful tools, resources and expert support, like personalised A to Z business advice, AI training, digital videography courses, bespoke workshops and networking opportunities.
For young talent, we are proud to have launched the PBC Hustle Hub, a five-day youth entrepreneurship programme for 15 to 19-year-olds that ends in a live pitch with the opportunity to win a share of a £5,000 investment fund, followed by up to 12 months of one-to-one business support.
Thanks to our partners, we continue to offer hours of free support to the local RBKC community and are home to household names like Innocent Drinks, Karen Millen and Charlie Bigham's and countless more family-run businesses still running today.
We now offer our services nationally, bringing the same personal PBC approach to a wider impact.
We are now seeking aligned partners to…
Unleash latent talent within UK communities
Support the PBC Hustle Hub and change the lives of young entrepreneurs
Contribute to positive social mobility by tackling extreme wealth disparities
Invest in the future of our national economy
…and witness real and immediate societal impact of your support.
“
PBC was instrumental in helping De Nadas get off the ground. Their advice and belief in us made all the difference in those early days. It's the same support they've been giving local, family run businesses for over 30 years, and why I'm proud to sit on the board. Seeing them offer that same support nationwide, with young talent now central to their mission, is exciting to watch.
Annabel Fox-Martínez
Co-Founder, De Nadas Empanadas, PBC Board Member
Why this matters now
The UK is home to enormous talent and stark inequality, often within the same postcode area. Where someone is born still shapes how long they live, the opportunities open to them, and how prepared they are for a rapidly shifting world of work.
17 years
is the life expectancy gap between the most and least deprived wards in Kensington & Chelsea, one of the widest in the UK.
24.6%
of young Londoners (16 to 24) were unemployed between November 2025 and January 2026, the highest rate of any UK region.
Source: London City Hall, Youth Unemployment.
981,000
young people across the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET), with an estimated lifetime cost of roughly £240 billion.
Source: Impetus, NEET statistics August 2026.
£306 billion
could be added to the UK economy a year if AI displacement is managed well, instead of left to happen to entry-level workers by default.
WHY PARTNER WITH US
For over 30 years we have supported entrepreneurs, in person, one relationship at a time. Partnering with PBC means backing a proven, hands-on model that's rooted in one of London's most economically divided boroughs, and built to scale.
Be proud of the 'S' in your ESG commitments
Join the inclusive entrepreneurship movement and directly tackle wealth inequality with clear, reportable outcomes aligned to your social mobility and inclusion priorities.
Engage your employees
High-value volunteering through expert support, judging and hands-on programme involvement, proven to strengthen staff purpose and talent retention. Excellent motivation for using volunteering hours.
Elevate your brand
Benefit as a member of PBC's aligned and connected partnerships network operating at the intersection of social impact and innovation.
Help shape a future-ready workforce
From A to Z business training to accredited AI workshops, we provide building blocks for an industrious, confident, and skilled workforce in an increasingly uncertain global market.
OUR IMPACT
In their words
“
I recently attended a series of digital workshops run by PBC that I found to be extremely informative and valuable for my business. Each session provided practical education, fresh perspectives, and actionable ideas that I can confidently apply to help move my business forward.
The trainers were both knowledgeable and approachable, creating a supportive environment. Their expertise and willingness to share insights made a real difference to the experience and the after support has been much appreciated.
Overall, these workshops have been of great benefit to me, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to develop their skills in these areas and grow their business. Thank you so much.
Karen Hoad
Digital workshops participant
“
I can't begin to express how grateful I have been for the support at PBC. The confidence it has given me and the ability to move forward in creating my business has been really exceptional. Greg has helped me greatly and once this is up and running I would love to support back to the community anyway possible. Thank you for making this dream of mine a reality.
Sharea Samuels
Local business owner
WAYS TO PARTNER
Work with PBC to make a tangible difference to the working lives of real people. Stay up to date with the quickly changing world of work, technology, and the economy.
We offer partnership options with flexibility for bespoke collaboration:
IMPACT
PARTNER BENEFITS
Sponsor The PBC Hustle Hub
Sponsor our flagship student entrepreneurship programme for 15 to 19-year-olds, and nurture the UK's next generation of bright ideas.
High-profile association with young enterprise, direct community impact, employee involvement and a compelling ESG story.
Safeguard future UK talent
Support PBC reports, roundtables and campaigns. Help build resilience in a world quickly being shaped by AI.
Thought-leadership, visibility, collaboration, and a voice in conversations affecting SMEs and entrepreneurs in the UK.
Back Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Partner with us on initiatives designed to widen access to entrepreneurship and opportunity and improve social mobility.
A range of credible causes that demonstrate your commitment to inclusive growth and make a measurable social impact.
Champion Local Business
Fund PBC's classic local business support in RBKC or a borough, neighbourhood or community that matters to you.
Visible local impact, measurable outcomes and meaningful engagement with entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Give back: Volunteer Your Expertise
Provide expert support, become a judge on the PBC Hustle Hub panels, or an expert advisor for young aspiring entrepreneurs.
A rewarding employee engagement opportunity and a chance for your people to share their skills and experience.
Partnership or project idea? Get in touch with us.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Trusted by organisations across London and beyond
WHO WE'VE SUPPORTED
Businesses we've helped start and grow
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Why we accept Bitcoin
As a social enterprise, we reinvest every pound we raise in free and low-cost support for entrepreneurs. Widening the ways people can give helps keep that support going, and Bitcoin opens the door to a new, global community of supporters.
As members of the UK Bitcoin Business Network, and working alongside Bridge2Bitcoin, we’re trying it ourselves so we can give the small businesses we support honest, practical advice on whether it’s right for them.
Bitcoin donations arrive in seconds through the Lightning Network, with tiny fees. Prefer card? Use the Card tab instead.
Please note: Gift Aid can’t be claimed on cryptocurrency donations.