Visionnaires team wins at Breaking Down Barriers Awards

Capital City College (CCC)’s Visionnaires team won the Extending Enterprise award at this year’s Breaking Down Barriers Awards 2025.

The Extending Enterprise Award recognises an individual or organisation that has empowered individuals to start businesses, supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through mentoring, investment, or community development initiatives.

Visionnaires

Visionnaires helps people start their own businesses by providing free workshops, mentoring, and support to turn ideas into successful ventures.

Through expert-led workshops, mentorship programmes, and access to a diverse professional network, the team empowers individuals who may lack traditional business connections or resources. Their inclusive approach ensures that entrepreneurship is not limited by background, financial constraints, or lack of experience.

Casita Sumner,  ​​​​Head of Visionnaries, said: “I want to express my gratitude – this award is a truly humbling experience. Myself and the Visionnaires team have had the opportunity to amplify the voices, ideas and dreams of so many people and to see people break through barriers and create businesses that reflect their unique experiences is inspiring. This wouldn’t be possible without the amazing work that my team of dedicated programme coaches do.

“I thank Pablo Lloyd OBE  for not only creating Visionnaires but giving me the opportunity to lead it. Amanda Dickens often talked about reaching those 500,000 UK “hidden entrepreneurs’ and I’m more committed than ever to continue providing opportunities and to reach as many entrepreneurs as we can.”

Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission and former member of Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, Nick Forbes CBE, said:

“These Awards are a celebration of innovation and ambition, and I congratulate all the winners for their work in shaping social impact. There is a very clear thread that runs through every category of award, and that is one of collaboration. The individuals and organisations here today recognise that working in partnership with others – whether that is within their own organisations or with other organisations, local authorities and charities – can have a much more powerful impact.  

“The Breaking Down Barriers Commission brings the best purpose-led organisations together with the intention of forging a more cohesive approach to delivering opportunity, guided by the Purpose Goals and working collectively to share best practice and develop innovative solutions that will unlock potential.”  

Find out more about how Visionnaires helps entrepreneurs, and the work experience opportunities offered at Capital City College.

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