Elevate is WeNetwork’s business support programme for graduates and alumni who are active founders of a business registered and operating in the UK. The six-month programme offers tailored and strategic support to put the participating businesses on a pathway to growth, focusing on increased revenue generation and optimisation of processes.

A key feature of Elevate is the provision of up to £10,000 equity-free programme funding for the selected businesses. The participating businesses will access executive-level training and coaching and will have the opportunity to strategically invest the programme funding into the areas of the business that will generate organic growth.

The funding will be released in tranches based on meeting key milestones throughout the duration of the programme. If milestones are not achieved, WeNetwork reserves the right to delay or stop the release of the funding.

Poster for the Elevate business support programme.

What you will get from the programme

Key offeringskey outcomes
  • Programme Advisor supporting the formation of a bespoke and tailored plan at the start of the programme, with regular progress reviews throughout
  • Accountability support to share progress made to date
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Industry Relevant Mentoring
  • Access to Network of Subject Experts
  • Hybrid workshops
  • Peer to Peer Coaching and Learning
  • Access to skilled students and graduate talent
  • Marketing and profiling opportunities via the University
  • Increase revenue generation and market visibility
  • Improve overall financial sustainability of the company
  • Founders develop leadership skills and strategic confidence
  • Deeper understanding of target users and markets
  • Optimisation of processes using digital tools
  • Develop network of relevant contacts in industry and business sector
  • Practice applying new business knowledge and skills gained to generate change in the company

Eligibility criteria

FoundersBusinesses
  • Founder, co-founder or director of a registered and trading business in the UK with majority ownership
  • Graduate or alumni of the University of Westminster 
  • Ambitious, committed and passionate about building and growing a successful business 
  • Interest to build an active network of contacts and be part of a cohort with other founders
  • Interest to increase business knowledge, skills and confidence 
  • Open to sharing their experience and their progress with cohort and programme team
  • Open to doing things differently in their business to generate change
  • Capacity to fully participate in the programme whilst building business and implementing insights through the course of the programme
  • A clear and compelling vision and mission
  • Businesses or SMEs that can evidence how they solve a problem with a product or service where there is market demand
  • Clear unique selling point and market positioning
  • Clear positive social, environmental and or economic impact on society
  • Evidence of work done to date and initial market traction - actual customer or users acquired, commercial contracts, pilot tests, etc
  • Evidence of having built and tested a Minimum Viable Product with test users or sold their first products or services to early adopters
  • Identified areas of the business where guidance is need to generate growth

Application process

Application stepDetails

Online application form

Founders or businesses interested in joining the programme should apply via an online questionnaire and a video presentation submission. Video length should be no longer than 3 minutes.

Shortlisting

A pool of applicants that best meet the selection criteria will be shortlisted.

Interviews and panel pitch

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed to verify their suitability and fit for the programme. The interview will require the applicants to pitch their businesses in front of a panel from which the final programme participants will be selected.

Selection

Successful programme participants will be formally invited to join the programme.

Onboarding

An onboarding process will be offered to participants before the programme starts.

Programme content

The programme will cover the following thematics:

  • Understanding OKRs and programme funding
  • Growth Strategy
  • Customer Development and Value Proposition
  • Revenue and Pricing
  • Process Automation
  • Product Review and Product Development
  • Sales and E-Commerce
  • Marketing and Branding Strategy
  • Digital Marketing
  • Financial Management
  • PR Strategy
  • Personal Branding
  • Partnerships
  • Building a Team and Outsourcing
  • Preparing for Next Steps
  • Demo Day

Key dates

Applications for the Elevate program for the 2023-2024 intake are now closed. To express early interest in the upcoming 2024-2025 cohort, please fill out this form.

Go to [title] page

How to apply

To apply, you will need to do the following:

  • complete an application form
  • submit a video (3 minutes maximum)

Applications close on 15 November 2023 at 12 noon.

Apply now

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