The ‘Better Balance Pre-Accelerator for Strathclyde Women’ is in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, which this year has better balance as its theme.
Hosted by Strathclyde Business School and in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland, the fully funded programme starts on March 6.
It is designed to offers support, tools and techniques for first-time entrepreneurs, as well as insights on how to start and grow a business idea and is also supported by the Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network.
The action-focused programme incorporates learning through a unique digital portal, as well as an ‘Ignition’ kick off event and a learning and sharing celebration event on April 24.
Those taking part will be connected to a digital community with hundreds of peers via a dedicated Facebook page. Customer validation, entrepreneurial mind-set and pitching will be some of the skills explored.
Spaces are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis and applications will close on February 20, or when the programme is full.
At the end of the Pre-Accelerator there will be an opportunity to hear from expert panellists on further support for ideas and business, as well as a pitching competition.
Eleanor Shaw, Professor of Entrepreneurship, and vice dean for Enterprise and External Engagement, said: “We are delighted to be launching this Pre-Accelerator in support of Strathclyde Women – we believe this is a fitting and useful way for Strathclyde to mark International Women’s Day and celebrate commitment to better balance.”
Lynsey Cunningham, Regional Director for Entrepreneurship at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs to start, scale and succeed by developing their confidence, knowledge and networks.
“Entrepreneurs are vital to the economy and the talent within the University represents the UK’s next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.
“Research shows that women make up only a third of all entrepreneurs in the UK, so to mark International Women’s Day, we’re excited to be launching this Pre-Accelerator programme in partnership with Strathclyde Business School.
“It will be a great stepping stone for female students with a great business idea.”
Links
Application page. Once registration is complete, applicants will be asked to choose a hub location and should select ‘University of Strathclyde’ and then ‘Pre-Accelerator’ in their profile page, before submission.