FORMER YEOVIL Town footballer Nathan Smith has opened up an Innovation Hub for start up businesses to receive business mentoring in order to create their dreams.

Nathan and his partner Chantelle Lewis, have invested their own money into creating the hub as a way to give a voice to businesses who feel unheard.

Nathan said: “The core essence of the hub is to make your dreams come true. I had one of my dreams come true which was signing as a professional footballer at the age of 21 and then later being called to play for the Jamaica national team.

“It has helped my mental health greatly living a life in which my dreams are fulfilled. I want to give others the chance to feel the same level of fulfilment I felt.”

Chantelle added: “The purpose of the hub is to equip start ups with the tools they need to succeed and to access crucial funding to scale up their business.”

They have put together a strong team of professionals to ensure the start up businesses get excellent service. With Julian Scott-Reid, an investor with over 30 years’ experience in business and raising hundreds of millions in equity, he acts as a business mentor for the start ups at the Mango Studios LDN Innovation hub. The team also consists of Paul Gordon-Brown an accounting expert with brilliant due diligence skills.

Businesses that sign up to the Mango Studios LDN Innovation Hub have the option to go for a three month or six month program where they will receive workspace, business mentorship and the opportunity to pitch investors directly for up to £100,000. On top of this, you can have the opportunity to pitch to Nathan and Chantelle directly for a business grant.

The Innovation Hub is generalist and open to start ups who may be at different stages. You could be at the very early stage of your business or you could be a start up that may have started trading and developing a track record.

Chantelle explained: “Our Mango Seed program is perfect for founders who are just getting started, they may not even have a website in place yet but if your idea is great then we can help you take off!

“The Baby Mango program is for start up businesses who may already be trading and have built a small team but need guidance and funding to bring their business to the next level. Our hub is open to all sectors whether that be tech, food, fashion, travel, science, sports etc.

“If you have a good business idea then we would love to help you bring your idea to life! We have not put any limitations on who can apply.

“A good idea needs to be heard and with us in your corner we will help you get where you want to go!”

The Innovation Hub is now open, to apply go to www.mangostudiosldn.com Contact [email protected] or 07874237162 for more information.