About Deep Boroughs Network / Home
Deep Boroughs Network (DBN) is an East London social enterprise network supporting underserved leaders, SMEs, creative entrepreneurs, and community-led businesses. We deliver workforce development, funded training, online learning, and leadership development to drive inclusive growth and long-term social impact.
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We design peer-led learning programmes, CPD, and co-created initiatives that build skills, strengthen leadership, and centre lived experience. DBN connects grassroots changemakers and local communities with organisations, universities, investors, and funders to develop inclusive solutions and meaningful social and economic outcomes.
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DBN™ connects communities, leaders, and local organisations through networking and cultural placemaking. By creating safe, inclusive spaces for collaboration, it strengthens relationships, knowledge exchange, and local capacity — ensuring meaningful, community-led engagement.
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Based near Stratford International and Stratford Junction, London close to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Deep Boroughs Network (DBN™), an LLDC partner, works across Stratford, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, and the Royal Docks through initiatives including Cultural and Creative Newham — delivering impact locally, nationally, and in the South West.
Our Story
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Who we are
Deep Boroughs Network (DBN) is an East London–based, service-led collective of lived-experience experts, grassroots researchers, and community-led businesses. Led by a Project Director with deep community expertise and academic experience at UCL, Loughborough University, London South Bank University (LSBU) and UEL, DBN bridges research, practice, and place.
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We work with you: businesses, funders, universities, and communities to deliver insight-led, community-driven solutions that generate social value, inclusive growth, and measurable impact. DBN connects Creative Producers and Events in the Royal Docks, Newham, London, strengthening local ecosystems and cultural enterprise.
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As part of the Community Anchor Network (CAN), we support communities, women, and underrepresented leaders through neighbourhood research, co-designed projects, inclusive economic development, and participatory growth—ensuring investment, innovation, and services create lasting local benefit.
What We Do Differently
Unlike others, we co-create authentic, non-extractive solutions with communities, giving clients local insights, and diverse expertise. Choose DBN for our proven impact with LLDC, UKRI, and the Young Foundation delivering meaningful, and lasting social change.
Community Research
Lived Experience insights
Capacity Building
Upskilling
Networking
Network of Networks
Neighbourhood
Co-Designing
Community Lead Research to empower unheard voices
Workshops and training for community businesses to thrive
DBN is a founding partner of Community Anchor Network (CAN) around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, collaborating with LLDC partners, eastbank and local action groups.​
Citizens at the heart of
design & change.
Join our network
We would love to hear from you - send us a message to book a virtual meeting and join our mailing list