The aim of Ki is to invest in great business ideas that originate from disabled people and help them to become successful.

Ki will provide 3 things.

1. Access to Investment

Ki will typically invest between £10,000 – £250,000 seed capital into a business in return for a mutually agreed equity stake. This will usually range from 2.5% – 25% but will never exceed 30%. Its aim is not to control the business but to empower the disabled entrepreneur and their team to successfully run it.

2. Access to Mentors

Access to a strong team of mentors that will assist a business through its stages of growth is fundamental to Ki’s success. Our Mentors are all highly experienced entrepreneurs. They have all started, grown and sold businesses and therefore have personal knowledge of the rollercoaster ride that is setting up a business. The mentoring services will be provided through our sister company Kaleidoscope Mentoring Ltd.

3. Access to our proprietary Growth Methodology

The CEO of Ki first started developing a proprietary growth methodology in 2011 that would help Start-Ups to grow to the point of a successful exit. This methodology continues to evolve to bring significant value-add to the businesses working with Ki.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for an investment, either the entrepreneur or someone on their team should have a disability (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) that can be evidenced. If this isn’t the case, then the business must focus on a disability related purpose.

We will consider applications from immediate family members of a disabled entrepreneur.

Click here  to arrange an initial call or visit our website at www.KaleidoscopeInvestments.com.

COVID-19 UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILST WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS, FUNDS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL Q4 2020.

A Centre of Excellence for recruiting people with disabilities

Kaleidoscope Investments’ extensive experience with managing, training and investing in disabled entrepreneurs has led for an organic demand to launch Kaleidoscope Recruitment (Kr). The aim of Kr is to help disabled people identify their most suited career path by gaining a thorough understanding of their skills, capabilities and hidden talents. We will then assist them to find the most appropriate role that will maximise their chances of success, progression and, most importantly, finding purpose.

Our recruitment proposition has three elements to it:

1. Candidate Support (Pre-Job)

Ensuring productivity and retention are crucial to everyone’s success. Initially we conduct a full assessment of the candidates skills, life, education and work experience. We identify their hidden talents, additional needs and the support required. This assessment will include us gaining a stronger understanding of the reasonable adjustments the candidate may need to make to perform their role successfully. Our experts in the field of disabilities and careers, will work with the candidate to help to identify an inspiring career path that best matches their skills and motivations. This will maximise their chances of performing well, being promoted and ultimately finding their purpose. If we feel they need any additional training, for example, on confidence or interview skills, then we will offer this to the candidate. 

2. Employer Support (Pre-Job)

Once we have identified a suitable role for the candidate, we will work closely with both the employer and the candidate during the Recruitment process providing support every step of the way. We will provide the Employer with a comprehensive understanding of the Candidate, their skills, capabilities and suitability for a particular role. We provide guidance on the reasonable adjustments that will need to be made in order for the candidate to perform to the best of their abilities. We have in-house expertise on the UK governments ‘Access-To-Work’ scheme so can also provide advice and guidance on how to apply. 

3. Candidate & Employer Support (Post-Job) 

Once the candidate has been offered the job we will provide them with a job coach that is most suited to the candidates needs. The aim of the job coach is to make sure the candidate settles into the role and understands what is expected of them. They will also ensure that all the adaptations / reasonable adjustments have been implemented. The job coach will be available for the first three months on an ‘as and when required’ basis and can be extended if necessary. 

Additional Support

The services provided by Kaleidoscope Advisory are as follows:

1. Audit

A full company-wide policy audit examining inclusivity

The audit will determine your organisation’s current stage of Diversity & Inclusion policy compliance. It will identify changes required and allow us to tailor a bespoke package. Our aim is to embed disability inclusion into the core functions of your company. The audit will include:

• Company: A company-wide review assessing policies, practices, recruitment and hiring processes, leadership, monitoring, engagement and physical / environmental accessibility. A report outlining good practice, and areas of improvement will be provided, along with recommended solutions that fit with your organisational strategy
• Product Audit: Assess whether products and services are accessible to customers with disabilities

We will work with you to create a disability inclusion strategy for drafting policies, handbooks and helping implement practices. Progress reviews will be conducted quarterly to monitor progress and refine the performance plan. Subsequent audits will be carried out annually. A Return on Inclusion Investment will also be provided.

2. Training

A Company-wide staff training program from a moral & legal perspective

Training is essential to increase disability inclusion. Ensuring the company fulfils its legal obligation as well as developing an environment and corporate culture that allows people with disabilities to maximise their potential. The findings of the audit will enable us to develop a bespoke training package to meet your objectives and priorities.

Successful training sessions are based on policy but focused on practical application. Our blended learning approach maximises impact and scalability.

• Full and half day workshops
• ‘Breakfast / Lunch and learn’ sessions
• Videos and webinars

Our training modules cover a wide variety of topics including the following:

• Disability awareness
• Best policy and practice around Inclusion
• Invisible conditions and mental health
• Inclusive leadership
• Creating Inclusion champions
• Performance monitoring and management
• Removing workplace barriers

We provide sessions for staff at all levels. Most of our experienced team of trainers have a disability, not only bringing their expertise and knowledge to the table, but their personal stories and experiences.

3. Sales

The development of a Sales strategy focused on disabled consumers

The disabled community has a spending power of £250bn pa.  This ‘purple pound’ is an under explored market and there is huge potential for firms to provide the goods and services the disabled community require.

We have created a significant database of disabled people who have got strong networks across the UK and internationally. They are available to participate as part of a focus group and give their feedback and opinions.

We would work with you to identify potential target markets within the disabled community and create a sales strategy to access it.

We offer specific sales and customer services training to your front-line staff helping them to understand the specific needs of the market place and customers they are targeting.

4. Workplace experience and Wellbeing

A pro-active approach to wellbeing and supporting mental health

Our mindset with regards to Wellbeing in the work place is focused more on prevention rather than cure. In collaboration with Professor Zenobia Nadirshaw, a clinical psychologist of 42 years standing, we have developed a package to help managers identify early warning signs of mental health related issues including stress, anxiety and depression.

We offer a course for employees to help them manage more effectively their mental health and mindfulness.  It covers positive mental attitude, sleep hygiene, gratitude, journaling and self-discipline amongst other things.

5. Bespoke services

Ka offers other bespoke consulting services including:

• CSR Policy Development: We offer a full range of CSR consulting services from initial training sessions to working with you to develop your own effective and measurable CSR policy and initiatives.

• PR Strategy: Working alongside your Diversity & Inclusion and Communication and Marketing teams we can co-create a social media campaign for your organisation including an effective and targeted PR Strategy.

• Mediation: We have workplace mediators that can assist with resolving any disputes.

• Policy drafting services: Our legal team can assist you in drafting policy documents ranging from an inclusive Company Handbook to more industry specific compliance documentation.

Contact us for further information

The Kaleidoscope Foundation is an independent charity (Registration number: 1187266).