Bringing together colleagues, students, recent graduates and entrepreneurs, WeNetwork – the Westminster Enterprise Network – is an award-winning enterprise and innovation hub.
The Westminster Enterprise Network is a vibrant, engaged community of University of Westminster colleagues, students and recent graduates with an interest in working freelance, starting a business or innovating within a traditional company.
WeNetwork run a programme of events and masterclasses in partnership with businesses, employers and external organisations to help budding entrepreneurs manage and leverage their career portfolios. This includes expert-led workshops and inspirational talks, industry networking events, 1:1 business advice and support, paid freelance work and jobs listings, innovation hackathons and competitions for start-up funding.
Originally launched in 2017 as the Creative Enterprise Centre (CEC), WeNetwork has won Enterprise Catalyst, Inclusive Enterprise Education and People’s Choice awards at National Enterprise Educator Awards 2023. The team were recognised for delivering exceptional enterprise and entrepreneurship education, having engaged over 3,000 students in extra and co-curricular enterprise activities in the Centre’s first two years.
If you would like to get involved or you have ideas for events, activities or initiatives that can support inclusive enterprise, working with our colleagues, students or graduates, please contact us at [email protected].
Skills Lab enables graduate business founders to inspire next generation
In March 2022, WeNetwork organised an online panel discussion providing students and recent graduates with a unique opportunity to hear directly from other alumni who had successfully started a business during the pandemic.
This Skills Lab, Alumni Spotlight: Growing a Business in a Pandemic, focussed on the different challenges businesses are now facing to start, grow and survive across a variety of industries. The panel answered questions about their biggest challenges, what skills have helped them succeed and what their future goals are.
The conversation was hosted by Lenna Lou, Director of Strategy at Westminster Business Council, London’s premier networking group, and Founder of The L Factor, a consultancy firm which helps businesses to build and sustain relationships for effective collaboration and partnerships around the world. Lenna not only ensured discussion remained relevant, but also shared her own insight as a highly experienced business leader and entrepreneur.
Meet our experts
Amelia Molly Mae Potter
BA (Hons) Illustration and Visual Communication, 2017-2020
Runs her own business as a freelance illustrator and storyboard artist.
Evgeny Rodionov
Stroy
Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (ARB Part 3), 2017-2020
Founded his own business, a software platform sharing information and tools for designers and architects.
Katia Shipulina
BA (Hons) Film/Cinema/Video, 2015-2018
Co-founded an AI-powered app for mindful productivity.
A great opportunity to inspire others
Host Lenna Lou
Director, Strategy
Westminster Business Council
“This event was important to show relatable role models to the University of Westminster’s enterprise community. It gave students and graduates a good idea of what they can expect in their own enterprise journeys. I am confident it will have increased aspirations by demonstrating that their peers have been able to have success coming from similar circumstances and sharing similar experiences. I was truly inspired: I met some amazing entrepreneurs who have persevered in a really tough period, navigated a lot of hurdles, and inspired a lot of young and upcoming entrepreneurs by showing them that it is possible.”
Could your experience benefit others?
Skills Labs, just one aspect of the comprehensive support on offer through WeNetwork, are regular workshops and talks hosted by inspirational entrepreneurs, freelancers and industry experts. They are specifically designed to provide first-hand insight into what it is like to run your own business or work as a freelancer.
WeNetwork has opportunities for all types of business and public or voluntary sector organisations to connect with our community of students, graduates and researchers. If you would like to get involved or you have ideas for events, activities or initiatives that can support inclusive enterprise, working with our colleagues, students or graduates, please contact us and we’ll make it happen: [email protected]