McCain’s Streets Ahead programme boosts 32 street food entrepreneurs

McCain’s Streets Ahead Programme has helped 32 street food entrepreneurs since it was launched in 2022, the initiative’s first impact report revealed.

Backed by street food brand incubator, Kerb, Streets Ahead is dedicated to supporting aspiring food entrepreneurs and strengthening the UK hospitality sector.

A total of £241,000 has so far been granted in kick start investment, with the programme also providing aspiring business owners with hands-on training and expert mentorship, equipping them with the tools to launch and sustain successful street food businesses.

To date, 185 individuals have gained access to classroom to develop practical skills in food business operations, branding and financial management.

Streets Ahead has received referrals from over 40 UK charities, including the King’s Trust and The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN).

Seventeen refugee participants have gained financial independence through street food ventures, including Hind, a refugee from Syria. Hind transformed her passion for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine into a thriving street food business called Utopia, securing £10,000 in investment. She now serves customers at multiple Kerb markets across London.

The initiative has also supported other disadvantaged groups, including 103 ex-offenders, and individuals facing unemployment or homelessness. For instance, Levi overcame homelessness, joining the programme with a vision of bringing Lebanese street food to the UK. With an £8,000 investment, he is currently laying the foundation for his business while working in the hospitality sector.

Furthermore, 18 young entrepreneurs were given a pathway into foodservice, such as Eli, A young entrepreneur from Liverpool, who launched an eco-conscious taco business called El’s Tacos and received £6,000 to refurbish her food truck. She’s now preparing to trade at key food hubs in the north west.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “The McCain Streets Ahead programme is a brilliant example of how hospitality invests in and supports the next generation of talent to break down barriers and succeed in their careers, to the benefit of our economy, culture and communities.”

Richard Jones, vice president commercial, McCain Foods GB, added: “At McCain, we know there’s incredible untapped potential, particularly among aspiring food entrepreneurs who are facing barriers like limited funding and lack of mentorship. The Streets Ahead programme is our way of helping to address this, giving people the tools, investment and support they need to turn their passion into a successful business, and, in turn, help strengthen the entire sector.”