University support for women-led firms in new programme
Women-led businesses have been encouraged to apply for a place on a programme supported by the University of Bradford.
The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), based at the University, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Lifted Ventures, has launched a two-year Innovation Programme designed to accelerate women-led projects in West Yorkshire. The programme, which starts in June 2025, will guide them from the early stages of their business to being ready for investment or scaling up.
What is the Innovation Programme?
As part of the programme, participants will complete a six-month intensive accelerator and receive 18 months’ tailored support from BREE.
Just 20 places are available and successful applicants, who have a business registered in West Yorkshire or wish to start one in the region, will receive access to the University’s Entrepreneurs’ Lounge, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Marketing departments and receive ongoing coaching, access to community events and pitch panels. They can also take part in open innovation programmes for international growth, and they can still be involved following the programme as mentors, speakers or advisors.
Participating businesses will enter into a 15 per cent equity agreement with BREE as part of the two-year programme, with the opportunity to reclaim up to 7.5 per cent based on key milestones and progress.
The six-month accelerator section of the programme, presented by Lifted Ventures, offers 13 immersive workshops covering areas such as branding, financial forecasting, pitching and one-to-one coaching.
Sonya Bachra-Byrne, Managing Director and Co-Founder at GoodHalo and University of Bradford MBA graduate, said: “So many brilliant ideas never get the chance they deserve, not because they lack potential, but because the support systems weren’t built with women in mind.
“This programme is different. It’s about walking alongside women as they turn their vision into something real and lasting. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to step forward, this is it.”
Candidates’ businesses can be in any sector, with a particular interest in digital, health tech, creative industries and clean tech.
Sarwat Murtaza, who founded Ethimaart, an online curated giftshop, has received BREE backing. Images credit: University of Bradford
What is BREE?
Based at the University of Bradford, BREE is a Dragons’ Den-style initiative open to staff, students and members of the public. The University is aiming to become the UK’s number one destination for entrepreneurs. It will build on the University’s long history of research and innovation.
BREE, launched in January 2024, has been made possible thanks to a £1.25m donation from alumnus Dr Murthy Renduchintala, and a further £1.25m from the University. Email BREE@bradford.ac.uk for more information.
BREE has already offered to support to businesswomen including Sarwat Murtaza, who founded Ethimaart, an online curated giftshop, selling ethically sourced handmade products and Agnes Aliri, who founded TiwaOma, which creates wigs for black children and women experiencing hair loss.
The deadline for applications for the Innovation Programme is Friday 30 May. Go to liftedventures.co.uk/bree-wyca-innovation for more information.