Digital Alchemy helps teams transform information overload into calm, focused action. Ivan specialises in practical AI training and knowledge management systems that work with your existing tools.
Discover more: Digital Alchemy
Islington Business Resilience – Entrepreneur Case Studies
Ivan – Digital Alchemy
Ivan launched his business, Digital Alchemy, in early 2024 as a side project while working as a teacher at a coding bootcamp. When his teaching role ended in August, he committed fully to growing Digital Alchemy into a viable business. Around that time, he discovered the Islington Business Resilience Programme (IBRP) through a contact at his co-working space in Finsbury Park. It struck him as a great opportunity to gain practical guidance and expand his network of fellow entrepreneurs.
One of the most valuable aspects of the IBRP for Ivan was the one-to-one consultancy support. He worked closely with both consultants, Tutu Adebiyi and Alex Louis, receiving tailored advice that addressed the specific challenges he was facing, including emotional support and encouragement. One major outcome was a boost in confidence, which changed how he priced his services and engaged with clients. Having a second voice gave him the reassurance to be more direct about his rates and follow up with potential customers.
Ivan also attended several workshops through the programme, with the marketing and communications session standing out. It introduced him to competitor analysis, helping him understand the broader market and refine his service offer. Initially focused solely on AI, Ivan recognised that his broader tech skills could support small organisations, allowing him to realign his services to better meet client needs.
Workshops on business planning and financial strategy also left a strong impression. Their emphasis on adaptability helped Ivan shift from a fixed plan to a more flexible, evolving business strategy as his client base grew.
Networking events were another highlight. Ivan attended both in-person sessions and found them to be highly enjoyable. They helped change his view of networking from formal and intimidating to something relaxed and meaningful. This mindset shift has since encouraged him to pursue more networking opportunities and openly share challenges with other business owners.
The grant Ivan received through the IBRP played a crucial role in his development. He invested in online courses to stay up to date with new platforms, as well as software subscriptions like ChatGPT, allowing him to explore tools first-hand and better support others.
I don’t think I’d be where I am without being able to invest in those resources”
Ivan, reflecting on how the grant supported his business growth.
What’s next for Ivan, and what are the key takeaways?
Looking ahead, Ivan is focused on maintaining the momentum built during the programme. He’s seen real growth in client outreach and marketing, feels more confident in making proposals, and is actively refining his niche by reflecting on the types of work he enjoys most.
He also emphasised how important it was to have consultants with lived experience, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds. He noted that many entrepreneurs benefit from strong support networks, which aren’t always accessible to those from immigrant or minority communities. The IBRP helped fill that gap by creating a local support network that he found nourishing.
It felt like creating the support network that didn’t exist yet. I’d like to see more of it – it’s really needed.”.”