UP - Where your next level starts
We help people, businesses and communities reach their next level.
At UP, you can:
What's up
Explore what’s happening now at UP, from practical workshops and 1:1 clinics to mentoring, networking and local business support.
ONGOING
One to One Business Mentoring.
Get trusted 1:1 support to think clearly and take action.
BEST FOR: Entrepreneurs who want clearer decisions and progress
PART OF: UP GROW
DATE: ONGOING
FORMAT: Online, phone or in person
MENTORING
CLARITY
DECISIONS
PROGRESS
FREE
Trailblaze BOOTCAMP
Develop your business idea, build practical skills and create a clear plan to launch your own business.
BEST FOR: Young people aged 16–24 not currently in education, employment or training
PART OF: UP CREATIVE
DATE: 15/10/2026
FORMAT: Free programme, every Thursday at UP, Croydon
BUSINESS
IDEA
SKILLS
PLANNING
LAUNCH
OPEN DAY
LEVEL 2 EMPLOYABILITY OPEN DAY
Discover a practical Level 2 programme combining creative projects, employability skills and work experience.
BEST FOR: Young people aged 16–18 considering their next step after school
PART OF: UP CREATIVE
DATE: 27/10/2026
FORMAT: Free Open Day, in person at UP, Croydon, 10am–2pm
SKILLS
PROJECTS
EXPERIENCE
PROGRESSION
HOT
Sales & Marketing Bootcamp
Build a clearer offer, stronger message and a better route to winning the right customers.
BEST FOR: Businesses ready to improve demand and sales
PART OF: UP START
DATE: 29/10/2026
FORMAT: In person at UP, Croydon
Positioning
messaging
referrals
marketing
NETWORK
First Friday Networking
Meet local businesses, build relationships and share opportunities.
BEST FOR: Entrepreneurs who want stronger local connections
PART OF: UP NETWORK
DATE: 06/11/2026
FORMAT: In person at UP, Croydon
NETWORKING
CONNECTIONS
LOCAL BUSINESS
COLLABORATION
HOT
Finance & Funding Bootcamp
Get clearer on your numbers, funding options and the financial choices behind steady growth.
BEST FOR: Founders who want more financial clarity and confidence
PART OF: UP START
DATE: 26/11/2026
FORMAT: In person at UP, Croydon
Costs
forecasting
compliance
funding
HOT
Business Start-Up & Go Bootcamp
Turn your idea into a clearer plan, stronger structure and more confident next steps.
BEST FOR: Early-stage founders and new businesses
PART OF: UP START
DATE: 28/01/2027
FORMAT: In person at UP, Croydon
Validation
structure
costs
planning
ways to connect with UP
START
If you are at the idea stage or just starting out, START brings together programmes and mentoring to help you launch with more confidence.
GROW
If your business is already up and running and you want to grow, GROW connects you to funded support, incubator programmes and expert guidance.
SPACE
If you need somewhere to work, meet or register your business, UP Space offers serviced offices, coworking, meeting rooms and virtual office options.
CREATIVE
If you want to create content that stands out, UP Creative offers studio hire, podcast support and practical training to help you create with confidence.
NETWORK
Events, networking, mentors and a directory of trusted providers, the wider UP ecosystem around your business.
FIND YOUR FIT
Not sure which part of UP is right for you? We can help you find the best next step and connect you to the support that fits your goals.
UP is the next chapter of a long running story
Since 1983, the organisation behind the Startup Croydon brand has helped thousands of local people to explore ideas, start businesses and access space and support.
UP builds on that history. Rather than creating something separate, we are bringing programmes, space, creative services and community together under a clearer, more flexible name.
Startup Croydon remains the charity brand and institutional base behind UP. It continues to hold our formal history, governance and statutory reporting.
Over time, more and more of the practical information and journeys will live on this UP site, while the Startup Croydon site continues to support our impact, governance and search presence.
- 1983 – Croydon Enterprise Agency founded.
- 2013 – Weatherill House opens as a dedicated Enterprise Agency.
- 2015 – Rebrand to Startup Croydon.
- 2023 – Creative Digital Lab launched as a production and training space.
- 2026 – UP introduced as the new name for the wider ecosystem.
What you can access through UP today
Business Bootcamp
A practical, intensive programme that helps you clarify your idea, understand your market and build a simple plan to get started.
One to One Business Mentoring
Free one to one mentoring sessions with experienced advisors, focused on your questions and next steps.
Business Support Programme
A funded programme that helps Croydon based businesses review where they are, strengthen their foundations and plan for sustainable growth.
Incubator Programme Hustle>Legacy
An incubator style programme for founders who want to grow a more ambitious business, with a focus on leadership, mindset and long term development.
Serviced Offices and Virtual Office
Private offices, shared facilities and professional business address services at Weatherill House, suitable for individuals and small teams.
UP Creative
A creative studio and production space for video, podcast and digital content, supporting founders, brands and community projects.
The impact behind UP
UP builds on the impact of the Startup Croydon ecosystem over many years.
Years backing founders
Enterprise support in Croydon since 1983
Bootcamp graduates
Completed our 3-day startup course
Rent subsidies
Support for local start-ups in one year
Founders in 2023–24
Plus 40 creatives supported through CDL
Not sure where to start?
If you are not exactly sure whether you need START, GROW, SPACE or NETWORK, tell us a bit about where you are and we will point you in the right direction.