Reflections on the success of the Catapult programme
The Catapult peer-to-peer programme was designed to help local entrepreneurs and small business owners work through challenges together.
Instead of a traditional workshop or mentoring scheme, Catapult created space for open conversation, peer feedback, and collaboration.
Hosted at Launchpad, the first two cohorts included founders from across the creative, digital and community sectors.
The results included new service launches, successful funding bids, and partnerships that are still developing today.
Essex Influencers pivot to develop Power Days
Sergey Mihaylov joined Catapult with a plan to connect local influencers with Southend businesses.
Through feedback from the group, he realised his real strength was in content creation.
That insight led to the launch of Power Days – full-day packages where Sergey and collaborator, Bruce, create professional video and social media content for clients.
His first customers included local businesses, Seafood Shack, Organically Epic, and The Hangout Venue.
“Catapult gave me the clarity to pivot. It helped me see where the value really was in my business, and the confidence to put it into practice.”
Sergey Mihaylov, Essex Influencers Ltd.
Stewart and Jingyue collaborate on AI
Stewart from Sabal connected with Jingyue from during the programme.
Together, they began exploring how AI could be applied to workforce analysis. While still early in development, the collaboration is a direct outcome of the programme’s peer connections.
“The conversations we had during Catapult opened up possibilities I hadn’t considered. It was the right people in the right place at the right time.”
Jingyue Zhao, Aitegic
Emma and Rachel’s successful bid for funding
Emma from Brazilarte and Rachel from Show Up! and Southend Creative Network, through the Catapult programme, worked together to submit a funding bid, which was successful.
They are now exploring further joint projects, including collaborations with James from Design Cabin and David from SECE Mind.
“[We] put in a bid we might not have attempted otherwise. That collective push made the difference.”
Emma Gibbs de Olivier, Brazilarte
