Stevenage Innovation Circle
Empowering Youth • Strengthening Businesses • Connecting Communities
OUR VISION
We believe in a Stevenage where youth, businesses, and community leaders collaborate to create stronger economic participation and a digitally skilled generation.
SIC is built on the belief that innovation is strongest when it is community-driven. We believe in:
- Strengthen community engagement
- Improve visibility of government projects
- Empower youth with future-focused skills
- Promote digital literacy and AI readiness
- Support small businesses and entrepreneurs
- Build local innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving
- Create a central space for ALL residents to participate in development
OUR MISSION
To deliver training, visibility, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities that empower youth, uplift small businesses, and strengthen the relationship between citizens and local government.
- Train youth in AI, digital skills, and innovation.
- Support SMEs with digital tools, workshops, and marketing visibility.
- Facilitate regular networking between residents, councillors, and businesses.
- Build a sustainable community platform driven by collaboration
OUR TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
1. Innovation & Technology Development
- AI training
- Digital tools
- Smart solutions
- Tech-driven community change
Community Empowerment
- Youth capacity development
- Community engagement systems
- Support for nonprofit and faith organisations
Business & Skills Enhancement
- SME support
- Skill-building programmes
- Enterprise development
Public Sector Collaboration
- Council partnership models
- Community visibility frameworks
- Civic technology tools
FOUNDERS & LEADERSHIP
Councillor Akin Elekolusi – Lead Visionary & Community Development Advisor
Councillor Akin Elekolusi provides strategic leadership, local government insight, and community representation for the Innovation Circle. His commitment to empowering residents and strengthening Stevenage’s growth drives the entire mission.
Turner Innovation Leadership Team
The founders and directors of Turner Innovation Limited bring global experience across:
- Public sector innovation
- Digital transformation
- Youth development
- Entrepreneurship
- Engineering and technology
- Education
- Business strategy
Their combined expertise ensures SIC delivers programmes that are forward-thinking, sustainable, and impactful.
OUR CORE VALUES
- Innovation – Always seeking better solutions
- Community First – People are our priority
- Inclusion – Everyone belongs
- Transparency – Open communication and access
- Collaboration – Working together for shared outcomes
- Empowerment – Helping people grow through skills and support
- Accountability – Delivering on commitments
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS
Members get access to:
-
Training & upskilling programmes
AI tools, digital literacy, leadership training, professional development -
Community innovation projects
Including Project 26, community research, business visibility campaigns -
Networking & partnerships
Connect with technocrats, NGOs, educators, councillors, businesses -
Leadership pathways
Become Circle Leader, Programme Champion, Youth Ambassador -
Consultancy and volunteering roles
Serve within projects and community initiatives -
Public recognition & certification
Certificates, badges, awards, and highlight at quarterly events -
Access to support services
Business support, career guidance, wellbeing resources, resident assistance
EXPECTATIONS & CODE OF CONDUCT
To uphold the integrity of the Innovation Circle, all members must:
- Maintain respect and professionalism
- Engage positively in community dialogue
- Avoid discrimination or harassment
- Protect confidential information
- Use ethical approaches in technology and AI
- Represent the Innovation Circle’s values in public settings
- Participate actively in at least one Circle
- Attend onboarding sessions and quarterly events
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
- Choose the Circles you want to join
- Complete your member registration form
- Attend your first onboarding workshop
- Engage in at least one programme or activity within your Circle
HOW MEMBERS CAN PARTICIPATE
Members can get involved by:
- Joining a Circle
- Attending workshops & training
- Contributing to local solutions
- Supporting youth or business programmes
- Volunteering at events
- Providing professional skills
- Joining leadership teams
- Sharing ideas in innovation forums
NEXT STEPS
As a new member, you now understand:
- What SIC is
- Where it comes from
- Its leadership and foundations
- Its mission and values
- Its programmes and Circles
- Your role within the ecosystem
You are now officially part of the Stevenage Innovation Circle —
a movement dedicated to building a stronger, more innovative, and connected Stevenage