Launched in 2022, EASI awards a £10,000 grant to the winner, supported with a significant package of business support gifted by our freemen and friends. The support package, which is also provided to each EASI Finalist, includes a twelve-month mentorship, EASI Masterclasses delivered by topic experts. In addition, they gain invaluable access to a world-leading entrepreneur community committed to supporting exceptional early-stage innovators, tackling societal challenges through purpose-led initiatives.

The recent EASI Showcase event, highlighted and celebrated the progress of the EASI24 Winner Elizabeth Beh, Founder of Tresacare, and three of the EASI24 Finalists, Dino Bertolis of Cycle Saver, Sol Escobar of Give Your Best, and Mireille Steinhage of Solar-Blanket, and the incredible support provided by their EASI Mentors. Tamzin Lent, a finalist from the original EASI22 cohort, was also invited on to the stage to provide the background story and an update on her business –Where You At, including  a successful recent $3.3 million pre seed fund raise, plus the inevitable ups and downs and sleepless nights encountered by all entrepreneurs. The impact of EASI is already apparent.

Master Entrepreneur, James Talbot said: “Our EASI Showcase event was attended by over 150 entrepreneurs, masters and clerks of other City of London Livery Companies, as well as key figures from across the City and social innovation sector. It provided our EASI24 Winner and Finalists with a platform to present their venture and purpose alongside their EASI mentor. They were very inspiring, and it was great to hear about their progress and we wish them all the very best of luck.”

EASI is competitive, attracting high levels of good quality, diverse applications. Short-listed applicants are interviewed and a small number invited to the annual EASI Final to pitch their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges and invited audience, who together determine the deserving EASI Winner.

Judy Hadden, Past Master & EASI architect, reflected on the significance of the evening: "Our EASI Showcase is more than just an event – it’s a catalyst for lasting connections with real-world impact and a celebration of the passion, purpose, and progress of the early innovative, ethical, and impactful ventures we support. Seeing them flourish and make an impact is such a great feeling and absolutely the 'Why' behind EASI. We are grateful to all those who donate their time and expertise to make EASI the success it is, and importantly, to the Company of Entrepreneurs Trust, our sponsors – Blue Orchid Hotels, Integrity International, Champions UK PLC, Tribe Advisory, and The Worshipful Company of Drapers, without whose support EASI would not be possible."

The evening culminated in the announcement of a collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers to launch their exciting new award in Advanced Needle Technology. With a long history of supporting both the making and use of needles, this new award aims to support an early-stage project developing medical or bioscience products, technologies or services involving the innovative use of needles or needle replacements for the benefit of patients and wider society. The award winner will be selected by a distinguished panel of expert judges with clinical, academic and commercial backgrounds.

The Master of the Needlemakers, Dr Sue Sumners, said: “We are delighted to make this award working in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs, whose Entrepreneurs’ Award in Social Innovation (EASI) is a successful and established programme. We were very pleased to attend the EASI24 Showcase at Drapers’ Hall, at which our collaboration was unveiled. The award winner will benefit from a package of support provided by the Needlemakers in conjunction with the Entrepreneurs and its charitable trust, comprising a programme of workshops and mentoring together with access to valuable networks, and a one-off prize of £7,500 payable by the Needlemakers to the applicant organisation.”

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