Blossom Training & Development CIC is co-founded by Madeleine France and Rachael Allen, who together have grown the organisation organically through community demand, public sector partnerships and funded delivery. While Blossom had a strong mission and growing reach, articulating its value and long-term sustainability to funders and external stakeholders remained a challenge.

As a founder-led CIC, much of the organisation’s growth had been driven by lived experience and impact delivery rather than formal business frameworks. Madeleine had limited experience in live pitching, with most previous funding applications being written, and needed support to confidently translate Blossom’s purpose, impact and future potential into a clear, structured pitch.

Alongside internal support from co-founder Rachael Allen and Non-Executive Director Rebecca from Youbee Media, who provided advice, challenge and encouragement during pitch preparation, Greenborough’s objective was to help Madeleine:

• Build confidence in live pitch delivery

• Clearly articulate Blossom’s value proposition and sustainability model

• Strengthen storytelling without losing authenticity

• Prepare for live pitching within a funded programme environment

This support needed to be tailored to an impact-led organisation balancing social value with long-term financial sustainability.

Blossom’s mission-driven work resonated deeply with communities, but lacked a clear framework for positioning the organisation’s long-term sustainability to external audiences. Key challenges included:

• Translating lived-experience and community impact into a structured pitch format

• Developing confidence in delivering live presentations

• Framing a commercial-ready narrative while remaining authentic and values-led

With a CIC model, the organisation also needed support to recognise funding mechanisms beyond grant writing including corporate partnerships and philanthropic collaboration.

Pitch development and progression

As part of the Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme, Madeleine first delivered her pitch at the programme’s demo day, where the focus was on pitch practice and feedback rather than final assessment. This was her first experience presenting Blossom in a live pitching environment.

Following this, Madeleine continued to refine and develop her pitch, working closely with Russell from Greenborough to improve structure, clarity and delivery. This included tightening messaging, strengthening the narrative arc, and building confidence in delivering a clear, time-bound presentation. She was also supported by her co-founder Rachael throughout.

The refined pitch was then delivered at the programme’s live pitch final, where participants formally pitched to a panel as part of the funding assessment process.

Madeleine’s final pitch received outstanding feedback from the panel and secured £5,000 in grant funding, placing Blossom among one of three successful award recipients from the cohort.

The funding has since been used to purchase Blossom’s mobile empowerment unit, enabling the organisation to deliver training directly within communities and expand its reach across West Yorkshire.

The impact of Greenborough’s support has been both practical and transformative for Blossom.

Delivered over the course of the nine-month Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme, this sustained support enabled Blossom to move from early pitch practice to live funding success with confidence and clarity. Madeleine now feels better equipped to engage funders, partners and stakeholders with a clear, compelling narrative that reflects both Blossom’s impact and long-term sustainability.

The £5,000 grant funding secured through the programme has been used to purchase Blossom’s mobile empowerment unit, increasing accessibility and enabling training to be delivered directly within communities across West Yorkshire.

Beyond funding, the programme has helped Blossom achieve:

• Increased founder confidence and clarity

• Stronger positioning for future funding and corporate partnerships

• A clearer articulation of Blossom’s business model and growth plans

This combination of practical outcomes and strategic development has strengthened Blossom’s ability to scale its impact while remaining true to its values and community roots.