FROM IDEA TO CAREER
FORGE YOUR OWN FUTURE
FOUNDERS FORGE
What is FOUNDERS FORGE?
This brand new start-up offer has been developed to support people who are embarking on the exciting but challenging journey of founding their own business.
The challenges faced globally in the last 12 months have meant many people have had to re-evaluate their futures. For a variety of reasons, many people are considering starting their own businesses as an option.
Founders Forge has been created to address this growing need in the Leeds City Region area.
We are calling all future founders with big ambitions to take part in this exciting new programme launching in March.
With only 25 places available, this pilot programme will run over 4 months from April to July, and is guaranteed to give you solid foundations on your start up journey.
Founders Forge is an engaging, accessible and easy to navigate programme that will help you, our aspiring founders to forge your killer idea into a viable business before taking the plunge.
Developed and delivered by the brilliant Leeds Beckett team behind ACCELERATE, a successful AD:VENTURE programme for established businesses, you know you’ll be in good hands!!
Founders Forge members will also receive 6 months registered business address for free at one of our University Business Centres.
SPACES WILL BE LIMITED SO PLEASE DON’T DELAY, REGISTER TODAY!
HOW CAN FOUNDERS FORGE HELP?
We know starting a business and making it a success is hard work, but it is not impossible. To give your business the best chance of success, there are some core foundations to consider.
- The practicalities of how to set up a business, what structure, and how to plan for the journey.
- Validating the idea:
- Exploring your market opportunities
- Understanding your customer
- Knowing how to effectively pitch your business
- Understanding your products and pricing
- How to start, and run, a sustainable business.
- Know your numbers,
- Know your knowledge gaps
- Know your networks
All key aspects to support positive growth.
Focussed on helping you in the earliest stage of your business journey, the pre-start stage, Founders Forge will support you to build firm foundations to give your business the best possible start.
We will do this by giving you access to a self-navigated programme of learning supported by online learning modules. You’ll join interactive and insightful peer to peer sessions, where you can meet other founders at the start up stages, share ideas, challenges and solutions, all in a safe and confidential space.
You’ll also have access to tailored support from a variety of experts which are relevant for your business goals.
Throughout the programme you’ll take part in essential reflective learning and ongoing telephone mentoring.
Here is an overview of the programme timeline and content:
February – Applications will be assessed and participants notified.
March – Successful applicants will have an initial detailed diagnostic with their mentor to help define goals, explore success, understand barriers and determine next steps.
April – Online Learning starts including 3 x 90 minute webinars for cohort 1 with additional guided learning and Peer to Peer sessions to support the webinars
May – Online learning and Peer Groups continues for cohort 2
June – Our mentors will review your proposition and provide Dedicated telephone mentoring to provide feedback and recommendations
July – Expert Access day – All participants will be offered access to investors, entrepreneurs, lawyers, academics, regional support projects and relevant external agencies in individual and group sessions.
Throughout the programme, you’ll also be given access to essential networks and connections for your business.
If you have:
- A new business idea
- A passion to make it happen
- Big ambitions
Then Founders Forge could be perfect for you.
As we are a funded programme, supported by European Regional Development Funding, some eligibility criteria do apply.
These are:
- That your business will be based in the Leeds City Region enterprise area
- That you plan to trade with other businesses
- That you have ambitions for future growth
How do I join?
Easy! Just email or call to register your interest. Once we have confirmed your eligibility you will be given access to our online programmes and mentoring.
T: 0113 812 5977
To find out how we can support your new or growing business
Call or email us at:
T: 0113 812 5977
REGISTER HERE
We can also help you with…
INCUBATION SPACE
ONE-TO-ONE MENTORING
FINANCE AND GRANTS
SPECIALIST ADVICE
YOUNG ENTREPRENUERS
EVENTS
Ready to start your AD:VENTURE?
Register your interest and one of our advisors will be happy to help…