Why We Are Here
We live in a world where technology is advancing at a pace we have never seen before.
Artificial Intelligence, digital innovation, and new skills are shaping the jobs, the businesses, and the opportunities of
tomorrow.
But as leaders, we must ask ourselves:
- Are our young people ready for this new world?
- Are our small-scale businesses equipped to grow in it?
- And is our community connected enough to share opportunities, solve problems, and shape its own destiny?
MISSION STATEMENT
“To empower residents, strengthen communities, and accelerate innovation through collaboration, skills development, and transparent engagement.”
Exclusive Service
Stevenage Innovation Circle (SIC)
Innovation Team
Stevenage Innovation Circle: Empowering Youth and Small-Scale Businesses through Local Leadership & Innovation
Lead Ambassador
Councillor Akin Elekolusi – Community Leader and Link to Stevenage Borough Council (Primary Liaison for Councillor Engagement, Council Support, and Local Visibility)
Vision Statement
To build an inclusive, empowered, and Innovation Stevenage community by linking youth, small-scale businesses, and local leaders through training, information access, digital empowerment, and regular engagement activities.
Sustainability Plan
- Volunteer ambassadors
- Collaboration with local authorities
- Sponsorship and partnership from local businesses
- Youth-led digital projects generating community value
- Annual Conference / Fundraising Gala
Background & Rationale
Stevenage is home to a vibrant and diverse population, including a growing youth demographic and numerous small- scale business owners who contribute significantly to local economic wellbeing. However, many youth lack access to training in modern skills—especially Artificial Intelligence—while small-scale businesses often struggle with visibility, digital transformation, and access to support networks. To bridge these gaps, LONDON TILCAREER INSTITUTE UK proposes the establishment of a Citizen Community Interested Team (CCIT). This team will work closely with councillors, local leaders, youth, and SMEs to create a community-driven support ecosystem.
Proposed Structure of the Initiative
Citizen Community Interested Team (CCIT) – Stevenage
- Lead: Councillor Akin
- Teams:
- Youth Development & AI Skills Team
- SME Engagement & Support Team
- Community Outreach & Communications Team
- Events & Networking Team
- Partners:
- Local council departments
- Local schools and colleges
- Community centres
- Business associations
- Technology mentors & trainers
Objective
Youth Empowerment
- Train young people in AI, digital tools, and community problem-solving.
- Equip them with employability and entrepreneurial skills.
- Provide pathways to mentorship through councillors and local business owners.
Small-Scale Business Support
- Offer visibility through events, listings, and online promotion.
- Provide training on digital marketing, AI tools, and business growth strategies.
- Connect businesses with youth talent for collaborative solutions.
Community Integration
- Strengthen ties between residents, councillors, and local authorities.
- Create quarterly networking platforms for dialogue and collaboration.
- Build a citizen-led ecosystem that enhances community wellbeing.
Core Program Components
AI & Digital Skills Academy for Youth
- Introduction to AI and practical community solutions
- Digital literacy (data tools, design, productivity)
- Real-world problem-solving challenges
- Youth Innovation Lab: “Build for Stevenage”
Small-Scale Business Support Clinic
- Digital transformation workshops
- AI-powered marketing and customer engagement
- Finance basics, compliance, and scaling strategies
- Access to visibility through CCIT events & listings
Quarterly Networking & Community Engagement Events
Each quarter includes:
- Youth innovation showcases
- Business exhibitions
- Councillor–Community Dialogue Sessions
- Local success stories & recognition awards
Continuous Community Interest Service
- Regular visits to local businesses
- Weekly mentorship hours
- Online platform for information, listings, and training access
Expected Outcomes
- • Increased youth engagement in skill development
- Stronger business–community relations
- Improved visibility and growth for local SMEs
- Better access to councillors and local government support
- Stronger collaborative culture in Stevenage
- A replicable model for other UK towns
Engagement Activity Plan
- Launch Phase (Month 1–2)
- Official introduction with Councillor Akin
- Community outreach, school visits, business visits
- Open registration for youth and businesses
- Media and publicity campaign
2. Capacity Building Phase (Month 3–4)
- Start AI & digital literacy workshops
- Initiate business support training sessions
- Create youth teams and assign mentors
3. Quarterly Engagement Structure
Quarterly Networking Day
Activities:
- Opening remarks by councillors & community leaders
- SME booths and exhibitions
- Youth AI solution demonstrations
- Workshops (Business digital tools / AI training for youth)
- Speed networking (youth ↔ businesses ↔ councillors)
Monthly Mini-Engagements
- Online masterclasses (AI tools, marketing, finance basics)
- Youth Innovation Lab meetups
- Business help desk sessions
- Community spotlight interviews
Conclusion
The Stevenage Initiative Circle aims to bring youth, small businesses, and local leaders together to build a more empowered, skilled, and connected community. With Councillor Akin as the leading link to local government, the initiative intends to ensure long-term impact and a model that can be replicated across the United Kingdom.