We are
The WEvolution story continues — through women leading the movement forward.
WEvolution operated from 2011 to January 2026, beginning with our first trip to India and growing into a global movement of Small, Powerful Groups.
While WEvolution the organisation has now closed, the movement it sparked continues to grow under the Leadership Collective.
Why WEvolution closed
During our final years of operations, the funding landscape shifted dramatically. Funding and political priorities moved away from investing in female entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, especially when led by underserved women. Despite exhaustive efforts—including new funding applications, partnerships, and conversations with potential supporters—continuing as an organisation was no longer viable.
This wasn't the outcome we hoped for but we remain proud of what we achieved together the last 15 years: over 350 Small, Powerful Groups, 1,500 women involved, £26 million in social and economic value delivered, and a proven model that survived COVID-19 and economic uncertainty.
A transition aligned with our purpose
WEvolution always believed that women should lead their own movements. While this transition happened sooner than planned, it represents the natural evolution of our work: the women of Small, Powerful Groups stepping forward to direct the future they've helped build. They are ready—equipped with years of experience, deep community bonds, and a proven model. The Leadership Collective isn't simply carrying on our work; they're charting a new direction that reflects their vision, their leadership, and the very purpose we set out to serve.
Purpose of this legacy site:
To serve as a guide for anyone interested in supporting or starting their own Small, Powerful Group
To stand as a testimony to the impact of these groups nurtured during WEvolution's years of operation
To act as a signpost to the continuing movement being carried forward by the women of Small, Powerful Groups
The Leadership Collective continues to:
Manage and grow the Small, Powerful Groups community platform
Organise and host events
Raise funds and welcome new members
Share learning and spread the word of this movement
Together, they're building and supporting a connected community of women: unlocking friendship, entrepreneurial power, and collective impact.
An Invitation: From Theory to Practice
“If you’re doing systems change, trying to break down silos or have simply grown weary of approaches that talk about "giving people voice" while keeping all the real power elsewhere and are asking: "how do we actually do this?"— this is how… Small, Powerful Groups: A simple methodology that helps people organise themselves, pool resources, and take action on their own terms.”
Noel Mathias, Founder and Director
What it is all about…
Our Credo
It's really about people who together create their own local, sustainable and scalable solutions.
Invest heavily in the currency of TRUST.
GET OUT of the way. Cede power.
CONTEXT is queen. Create & nurture the space for connections.
SOCIAL & ECONOMIC wellbeing: not one without the other.