Information for applicants
Are you interested in applying for Impact55? Download the information sheet.
Introducing Impact55
A brand-new programme of support for Cambridgeshire start-ups
HCR is committed to becoming a net zero business by 2040. We also play a key role in the communities we work and live in. As part of our ongoing commitment to businesses in Cambridgeshire, we’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new support programme, Impact55.
What is Impact55?
Impact55 has been designed to support start-ups who are using technology to create a positive social or environmental change.
HCR’s Impact55 programme will award packages of legal support to successful applicants as follows:
- Overall winner – £25,000
- Up to three additional runners-up – £10,000 each
These awards can be used for any business-related legal advice offered by HCR, including equity funding rounds where a term sheet or other written commitment is received by the applicant within 6 months of the award date.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a company registered in England and Wales and have your registered office (or principal place of business) in Cambridgeshire
- Have raised external capital funding (or agreed terms for capital funding) from pre-seed to Series A (inclusive) or secured grant funding
- Be founded for the intention of using technology to create a positive social or environmental change as well as economic rewards for your investors – an ‘impact start-up’.
Application information
If you are a business looking to apply for Impact55, or an advisor working with a business that would be interested, please view our information packs below.
Information for advisors
Are you advising or working with a business that might be interested in Impact55? Download the information sheet to share with them.
What is an impact start-up?
To qualify as an impact start-up, you must be creating change relating to at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Details about each of the goals can be found here and you will need to demonstrate in your application, which goal your work relates to and the impact it will have.
Watch how Impact55 can benefit you
Video
12 September 2024
2 minute watch
Why HCR is the smart move for impact start-ups in Cambridgeshire
Read moreReady to apply?
Complete the short online application and upload your three-minute video, explaining the business and how it is impactful.
By applying you understand that HCR Hewitsons will want to publicise the programme and this may include your involvement, which will be discussed with you.
Applications close at 8pm on
15 November 2024
What happens next?
Successful businesses will be shortlisted to pitch to our panel which will include lawyers from HCR as well as Cambridgeshire-based experts in early stage and high growth businesses.
Key dates
| 16 September 2024 | Applications open |
| 15 November 2024 | Applications close |
| 16 December 2024 | Finalists notified |
| 12 & 13 February 2025 | Pitching event |
| 28 February 2025 | Winners announced |
We’re also planning a Winners lunch and organising some publicity events throughout the duration of the programme.
By applying you understand that HCR Hewitsons will want to publicise the programme and this may include your involvement, which will be discussed with you.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the application process or need to submit your application in a more accessible way, please call +44 (0)1223 447 424.
More about our legal services for Cambridgeshire start-ups
Key contact
Inger Anson
Partner, Head of Cambridge Office
I create new beginnings for businesses and help my clients to realise their ultimate goals – whether that’s selling their business, or helping them access the resources they need to grow their company. When you work with me, I embed myself into your transaction team and take all the ‘legal stuff’ off your plate, making sure that you feel comfortable and confident, understand what you’re getting, and know how much you’re going to pay for it.