Ultra Education CIC is Empowering the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow
Ultra Education CIC is more than just an organisation—it’s a lifeline for children and young people who may not otherwise have access to the opportunities they need to thrive. As one of the recipients of Do it Now Now’s Make it Big with Pathway Fund programme, Ultra Education’s mission is clear: to empower young minds to create their own opportunities through entrepreneurship. With a focus on providing life-changing support to children and teens, this grassroots organisation is building a foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Empowering Young Minds Through Entrepreneurship
The idea for Ultra Education was sparked by CEO Julian Hall’s own experience with his children’s curiosity about business. “The realisation came when I saw how much potential young minds have when they are encouraged to pursue what they love,” Hall explains. This passion for nurturing talent, combined with a commitment to creating opportunities for young people, led to the creation of Ultra Education, where entrepreneurship is defined simply: doing what you love and making money from it.
Ultra’s mission is rooted in a deep belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not. This gap is precisely what Ultra Education aims to fill. By providing young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the tools and mentorship to turn their passions into viable business ventures, Ultra is giving the next generation of entrepreneurs the chance to create their own success.
A Life-Changing Impact: L’s Story
The impact of Ultra Education’s work can be seen in the stories of its young participants, like “L”, a 7-year-old who joined during the COVID lockdown. L had recently moved to the UK and was grappling with the challenges of isolation and adapting to a new environment. Her journey with Ultra began at their Youth Fair in Wembley, where she presented her journal work. That moment marked a turning point for L, as she realised her writing could make a significant impact on others.
With the support of Ultra’s mentors, L began to see her entrepreneurial potential. She learned critical business concepts such as cash flow and revenue, skills that are essential to shaping her future aspirations. Today, L is working with an award-winning Black female writer and has been recognized by international leaders, showing that her journey is far from ordinary—it’s an inspiration for others. As her father shared, Ultra’s focus on Black children was crucial in helping L feel less isolated, giving her a sense of belonging and confidence to pursue her dreams.
The Impact of the Make it Big Grant
For Ultra Education, receiving the Make it Big grant has been pivotal. “With the grant, we’ve been able to cover core expenses like operational costs, which ensures the stability of our programs,” Hall shares. This financial support has allowed Ultra to scale its impact, reaching more young people who need guidance and mentorship to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
In the past, Ultra faced difficulties securing unrestricted funding, which is vital for covering everyday expenses. The Make it Big with Pathway Fund grant from Do it Now Now has provided the flexibility Ultra needs to run its operations effectively. This type of funding—often overlooked but absolutely essential—enables organisations like Ultra to maintain stability while planning for long-term growth.
A Future Filled with Opportunity
Looking ahead, Ultra Education is poised to expand its reach even further. The grant has given them the ability to invest in programs that focus on building entrepreneurial skills, mentoring, and outreach for disadvantaged youth. With the right support, Ultra believes it can help even more young people turn their passions into thriving businesses, ultimately creating a positive social impact on the wider community.
Hall emphasises the need for future investment that goes beyond short-term project funding. “We need more long-term, flexible funding that allows us to innovate and grow,” he explains. By investing in capacity-building, Ultra can hire more staff, improve infrastructure, and enhance its ability to deliver impactful programs. Hall also points to the value of corporate mentorship and strategic partnerships, which would help Ultra navigate the challenges of sustainability while scaling its reach.
For Ultra Education, being part of the Make it Big programme is not just about the funding—it’s about the opportunity to grow and better serve their community. “We are truly thankful for the investment and support from Do it Now Now,” Hall says. “This grant has given us the security to plan long-term and pursue new opportunities for growth.” With renewed confidence and resources, Ultra is excited about the possibilities the future holds.
Advice for Fellow Grassroots Organisations
To other small organisations looking for funding, Hall offers this advice: “Be persistent and strategic.” Building relationships with funders who understand your mission is crucial, as is clearly communicating the impact your organisation is making. Ultra’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and staying true to your mission—qualities that will continue to drive their success in the years to come.
Ultra Education is one of many grassroots organisations supported by Do it Now Now’s Make it Big programme. To receive more stories of impact and to learn how to support these initiatives, subscribe to our newsletter.
