The Capacity Building Programme is our way of investing in East London’s people and organisations — giving you the tools, insight and support to build projects that last. It’s totally free, and open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
The Capacity Building Programme has been part of our innovative five-year £10mn Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund, powered by Westfield Stratford City.
Workshops — From accounting and financial literacy to impact reporting and governance, our sessions are designed to be practical and relevant.
Peer Network — Join our WhatsApp community to share, learn and grow alongside other local changemakers.
Mentorship & Best Practice — Learn directly from experts and seasoned social entrepreneurs, including Lisa Stepanovic MBE, who leads our programme with passion and insight.
We believe that lasting change comes from local people running their own projects — not top-down charity, but real power in the hands of communities. Building financial confidence, grant-ready proposals, and sustainable structures helps ensure that community-led ideas become long-term assets for East London.
As we grow, we don’t just fund: we empower. Participants leave equipped to turn their bold ideas into resilient, high-impact initiatives.
Ready to grow your project or organisation? Email us at capacitybuilding.ffl@outlook.com — we’d love to welcome you into our network.
Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, we’re here to walk with you.
The programme is led by Lisa Stepanovic MBE, a social entrepreneur rooted in East London with deep experience of building inclusive, thriving community organisations.
Lisa Stepanovic MBE is a working-class, award-winning social entrepreneur, experienced businesswoman, activist and mentor who was born and raised in London’s East End. Lisa is best known as the founder of Social Ark; Social Ark builds on Lisa’s many years of experience in running her own businesses and supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs on their journey, especially those from working-class backgrounds who often find themselves excluded from mainstream incubator and accelerator programmes. Lisa is passionate about social inclusion and tackling challenges in under-resourced communities, she’s also a Lived Experience third sector consultant specialising in programme design and building sustainable communities.
Twitter/X @Lisa_Stepanovic
Create opportunities for people of East London