New data has revealed the powerful impact of a series of community entrepreneurship workshops hosted by the University of Westminster in London and Glasgow, in collaboration with The Rebel School and Netcompany. The workshops provided community members with essential skills to set up their own businesses and empowered them to develop entrepreneurial skills.
Data released as part of the round-up report has highlighted the positive outcomes of the initiative, which engaged 51 participants from highly diverse backgrounds, many of whom are traditionally underrepresented in enterprise.
As part of Westminster’s community programme partnership with The Rebel School and Netcompany, these workshops were specifically designed to engage and support local people who may have faced barriers to setting up their own businesses. This initiative reflects the University’s long-standing commitment to accessible education as the first polytechnic in London, established 180 years ago, to educate the city’s working people, and its current Being Westminster 2022-2029 strategic focus on equality, diversity and inclusion.
The workshops succeeded in reaching a wide range of participants, with 69% being female, 73% identifying as coming from non-white ethnic backgrounds, 61% receiving government benefits and 45% who were unemployed.
The impact of the programme was not only in its reach but in the tangible business outcomes it created. Out of the participants 27% made a sale during the course, 91% reported they are now trading or close to launching their business and 42% developed a new product or service during the sessions. Attendees also experienced significant personal development, with 88% reporting improved confidence and ability in employment-related skills.
Bridging the digital divide was also a key goal of the programme, with 85% of Glasgow attendees now either developing or having launched their own business website, paving the way for long-term sustainability and growth.
Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager at the University of Westminster, said: “We are so proud to see that this unique, three-way partnership has exceeded our expectations in every way. This pilot programme is a powerful testament to how universities can collaborate with organisations to deliver life-changing workshops. Not only does it improve participants’ confidence, skills and economic opportunities, but it also contributes to the broader UK economy by unlocking new entrepreneurial potential.”
Henry Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer at The Rebel School, said: "Our Mission at Rebel is to deliver self-development to those who need it most. This partnership - The Rebel School, University of Westminster and Netcompany - is exactly how we bring this to life. Together, we’re creating opportunities through business to show that self-employment is possible without money, business plans or fear. Our partners help us make this happen, and together we create real social value by backing people who are ready to take action."
Kate Watson, Social Value Lead at Netcompany UK, added: “Our social value commitments are an integral part of our ongoing delivery and reflect Netcompany’s aim to build sustainable solutions to underpin a fairer future for society. For us, social value is never a box-ticking exercise, it’s embedded within our business culture. As part of this project our people volunteered for a workshop and Q&A around GDPR which we hope added to the overall experience. To see this data and learn of the real, long-term outcomes is encouraging and serves as an ongoing driver as we grow our social value activities.”
These workshops directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
To find out how individuals and organisations can collaborate with the University, contact Westminster’s Development Team.
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