Linkedin-in
Lifted logo

Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem, West Yorkshire Combined Authority & Lifted Ventures Innovation Programme

Accelerating innovation, enterprise, and investment for women-led businesses across West Yorkshire.

Are you a woman founder with an ambitious vision for your startup? Do you have a bold idea for a new business? Are you ready to scale, seek investment, and make a lasting impact?

The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem, West Yorkshire Combined Authority & Lifted Ventures Innovation Programme is here to help you break through barriers, build confidently, and access the investment and mentorship you need to thrive.

Programme Overview

This programme is designed as a structured roadmap for founders, guiding them from early-stage development to investment readiness and scaling. 

  • A free-to-access six month intensive accelerator to refine business models, strengthen investment readiness, and develop scalable ventures supported by Lifted Ventures, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the British Business Bank.
  • Optional eighteen months of dedicated support within the University of Bradford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem (BREE), designed to equip founders with the skills, networks, and resources needed to build and sustain successful ventures with the University of Bradford taking a 15% stake.
  • This programme offers fluid support and expert mentoring, enabling founders to navigate challenges with confidence while de-risking business growth and enhancing investment readiness. Through tailored guidance, peer collaboration, and direct access to funding opportunities, entrepreneurs can develop and scale their ventures within a strategically supported environment, ensuring long-term success and sustainable growth.
  • A programme for up to 20 female founders from across West Yorkshire
  • Sector agnostic, with a focus on digital, health tech, creative industries and clean tech.
  • Geographical Location: Businesses from across West Yorkshire, with delivery being embedded in Bradford promoting and supporting ‘City of Culture’ momentum.

Helping to address Female Founder Business Challenges

Build. Scale. Fund. Thrive.

  • Business Model Innovation
     Refine and develop a scalable, resilient business model designed for long-term success.
  • Investment Readiness
     Learn the ins and outs of fundraising – from angel investment to grant funding. Get pitch-ready with tailored support and exclusive access to curated investor panels.
  • Personal & Professional Development
     Confidence-building, founder wellbeing, resilience, and leadership development are at the heart of the programme.
  • Global Market Access
     Leverage international scaling opportunities through university-led innovation and strategic partners.
  • Mentorship & Advisory
     Monthly 1:1s, bi-monthly coaching, and ongoing guidance from successful entrepreneurs and academic leaders.
  • Peer-to-Peer Network
     Join a community of ambitious women founders, share insights, collaborate, and grow together.
  • Equity Structure (for two year programme)
     A supportive equity model where BREE takes a 15% stake, with a 7.5% buyback option at a capped cost of £12,500.

 

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for 20 exceptional women-led businesses from across the region to join our programme. This opportunity is for you if:

  • You have a registered business in West Yorkshire, or you’re planning to start one here.

  • The application is from a woman founder, co-founder, CEO, or someone who identifies as a woman in a leadership role.

  • Your business is in any sector, with a particular interest in digital, health tech, creative industries, and clean tech.

  • You’re planning to raise investment in the next 12–18 months.

  • You’re able to commit to either the six month accelerator or the full two year programme, if desired.

  • You’re open to working with Lifted Ventures and BREE, and understand and accept a 15% equity stake by BREE (note: 7.5% can be claimed back) as part of the two year programme.

  • You’re available to attend all workshops, both in-person and online, held in Bradford.

Please note: Businesses must not be insolvent and must not operate in prohibited sectors.

Founders have the option to sign up to either the six month intensive accelerator or the full two years programme which combines both the accelerator and University of Bradford support.

Why Bradford?

Bradford is City of Culture 2025, bursting with creativity and innovation. With strong ties to global markets and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the University of Bradford and BREE are committed to making Bradford a hub for female-led high-growth ventures.

With a focus on digital, health tech, creative industries, and clean tech, the programme leverages Bradford’s strategic position and the University’s research capabilities to elevate high-potential female-led businesses.

This Enterprise & Investment Programme is poised to drive transformational impact, fostering a new generation of high-growth, investment-ready female founders in West Yorkshire.

Learning Journey Snapshot

The six month accelerator from Lifted Ventures

13 immersive workshops covering:

  • Value proposition, branding, and storytelling
  • Revenue models and financial forecasting
  • Investment readiness, legal structures, IP
  • Go-to-market strategy, sales, international expansion
  • Pitching and live investor showcases
  • Site visits to women-led companies
  • 1:1 coaching and mentoring
  • Final pitch at the Athena Festival in Leeds and Investor Showcase in Bradford

The additional 18 month University-based support 

  • Access to the Entrepreneurs’ Lounge, research labs, AI/marketing departments
  • Ongoing coaching, community events, and pitch panels
  • Participation in open innovation programmes for international growth
  • Continued involvement post-programme as mentors, speakers, or advisors

 

Key Dates

  • Applications open: 15 April 2025
  • Briefing event in Bradford: 19 May 2025
  • Applications close: 30 May 2025
  • Programme begins: 23 June 2025
  • Masterclass 1 & 2 – Business Model Evolution, Problems, Challenges and Solutions (In Person) – 23rd June 2025
  • Masterclass 3 & 4 – Brand & Financials – 8th July 2025
  • Masterclass 5 – Go to Market Strategy –  14th July 2025
  • Masterclass 6 – Investment and Funding Readiness #1 – 21st July 2025
  • Masterclass 7 – Legal Requirements and IP – 28th July 2025
  • Site Visit & Masterclass 8 – Competition and Developing a Clear Market Differentiator – 1st September 2025
  • Masterclass 9 – Product and Service Development – 9th September 2025
  • Masterclass 10 – Investment and Funding Readiness #2: Pitch Deck & Elevator Pitch – 15th September 2025
  • Masterclass 11 – ESG for Impact Investment – 22nd September 2025
  • Masterclass 12 – Developing High Performance & Inclusive Teams and Board – 29th September 2025
  • Final investor showcase: 3 November 2025
  • Ongoing support: Through late 2027

Bradford-based. West Yorkshire-wide. Globally connected.

Lifted logo

Frequently asked questions

What is the eligibility criteria for this programme?
  • Your business must be registered in West Yorkshire, UK.
  • The application needs to be from a woman founder or co-founder, or anyone identifying as a woman. You need to be a founder, co-founder or CEO of the business.
  • Your business can be from any sector as this programme is sector agnostic – with a focus on digital, health tech, creative industries and clean tech.
  • Business from ideation stage to business registered no more than 7 years prior.
  • Business not in a prohibited sector (illegal drugs, etc).
  • Business not currently insolvent or likely to be in the next six months.
  • Your business should be looking to fundraise in the next 12 – 18 months.
  • You need to be able to commit to either the six month programme, or the full two years programme.
  • The programme’s equity model supports long-term business sustainability: The six month programme is free to access while BREE offers fully-funded support for 18 months in return for a 15% shareholding in your enterprise, with the option to reacquire 7.5% as the business grows, for a capped sum of £12,500.  
  • You need to be able to attend all workshops which are a combination of in person (in Bradford) and virtual.

We are offering the opportunity to join either:

A six-month programme of growth and funding support delivered by Lifted Ventures. This is a free to access, investment-focused accelerator designed to refine your business model, build your investment readiness, and prepare you to scale. It includes intensive workshops, mentorship, and investor showcase opportunities. The programme is supported by WYCA, the British Business Bank and The University of Bradford.

Or:

A two year programme designed for founders who are looking for more intensive support to start and grow their business. This programme also includes support to ideas generation or refining, if required. Over the two-year period founders can access the established and successful BREE programme, run by the University of Bradford, which provides fully-funded support for a further eighteen months after the Lifted Programme.

The extended two-year programme engages the BREE team at the University of Bradford, offering you:

  • Tailored mentoring
  • Access to expert sessions and masterclasses
  • Regular investment and networking events 
  • Use of business facilities (including the Entrepreneur’s Lounge) 
  • Access to research facilities, market intelligence, industry databases, meeting rooms and access to technical support (e.g. AI, analytical labs), marketing, law clinic and student resources.

Additionally enterprises can register with a University business address. For those electing for the two-year programme all this support is available immediately and continues for the whole 24 months.

A diagnostic questionnaire will be used to ensure that all founders sign up for the most appropriate option for their business taking into account their business growth plans, starting position and valuation if they have one.

The two year programme is well-suited for businesses at the start up stage through to early-stage growth, or for those needing intensive support and mentorship, such as founders developing a complex product.

The BREE team have specialist expertise in growing innovative and scalable businesses, and have excellent international links. You will benefit from the structured environment, access to business facilities e.g. meetings rooms, Entrepreneurship Lounge, market intelligence databases, scientific and technical resources, ongoing links with investors, and guidance provided by the mentors.

A diagnostic questionnaire ensures all founders who sign up to the programme connect with components which are relevant to their business growth plans and starting position.

As part of the extended programme with BREE at the University of Bradford, you will receive:

  • Tailored monthly mentoring and coaching
  • Access to research facilities
  • Access to University resources, including research expertise, innovation labs, and marketing/AI departments
  • Use of the Entrepreneurs’ Lounge and University library
  • Opportunities to register your business at the University and access a professional address
  • Participation in international scaling programmes and open innovation initiatives
  • Ongoing support after the programme ends, including roles as alumni mentors or speakers
  • The chance to be part of a founder-driven community, with events, collaboration, and visibility

The six month programme has 14 sessions, from site visits, in person events and online workshops one to one coaching sessions and investor meet up at the end of programme showcase. The total amount of time you’ll spend on the six month accelerator programme will be around 32 hours between June and November.

If you sign up for the full two year programme, the additional 18 month support will be customised to your businesses needs so the time you invest will be led by you. However, we would expect you to participate in as many fortnightly sessions as you are able to (normally held on a Monday evening) and regular meetings with a coach or mentor.

The aim of both programmes is to accelerate the progress of your business, and certainly not to slow you down. We will support you in raising money as soon as you are ready. Both Lifted Ventures and the BREE team have strong links with the investment community. The BREE programme typically organises 3-4 investment events during the year, to help BREE-supported businesses to raise funding. Similarly, we will be facilitating introductions to potential customers and partners on an ongoing basis.

Both programmes are free, and there is no obligation to pay fees at any time on the programme. The six-month programme with Lifted is free. The University of Bradford is providing fully-funded support on its established entrepreneurship programme for at least 18 months. The fee the University would normally charge for this is £12,000. Instead of charging this, the University acquires the right to a convertible, minority share in your business (please see below). 

Instead of charging a fee the University is offering free places in return for a 15% share of your business to ensure businesses at all development stages gain access to the programme. This effectively places the value of your start-up business at £80,000 if you are an early-stage business. 

After two years, when your business has grown in value, you have the option to buy back 7.5% of shares in your business from the University for £12,500, but only should you wish to, and you have the funds to do so. There is no obligation to do this, it’s optional. This effectively places the value of your business after two years at a minimum of £160,000. In practice this means that if your business does not at least double in value, you will probably not want to buy back 7.5% of shares, but if your business does well then it would be in your interests to buy back these shares, should you choose to, and are able to. Through this structure the University is strongly incentivised to ensure your business is successful.

If your business has already secured investment or is actively trading, BREE can determine the value of your business and work out an appropriate shareholding (and buy back). Under such circumstances we recommend that you have an independent valuation, if you don’t already have one, as part of your discussions with BREE.

Alternatively, you may wish to enrol on the BREE entrepreneurship programme and pay fees, in which case the University will not take any equity at all.

A 15% stake is considered a minority stake, meaning the University does not have control or veto power over the company’s decisions. The BREE programme aims to at least double your company value within the programme period, providing you the opportunity to buy back equity and reduce the University’s shareholding to 7.5%.

By participating in the programme, your business will build value, meaning that your business will remain attractive to investors. Investors will be aware that by working with the University you would typically be able to reduce fixed costs and increase working capital to grow your business.

If your business already has a high valuation we recommend that you engage with BREE to access specific elements of their offer which are relevant to your business in return for a fee. We can set up a meeting with the BREE team to discuss this ahead of you signing up for the programme.

You must be able to commit to all the workshops so that you gain the maximum benefit from the education and are fully ready for the end of the programme investor showcase. 

This programme supports businesses and founders based in West Yorkshire. If you are eligible to be based in the UK, and wish to establish a business in West Yorkshire, you are welcome to apply. If you or your business are based outside of the UK, you wish to move to West Yorkshire, but are not eligible to be based in the UK, unfortunately you are unlikely to be able to secure the required visa in time for the start of the programme. However, the University of Bradford is able to help in a range of ways, including support towards applying for an Innovator Founder entrepreneur visa, if appropriate (please see below). You could then enrol on a separate entrepreneurship programme run by the University of Bradford. 

Yes! If you’re currently based outside of West Yorkshire, you are welcome to establish your business within the region to qualify for the programme. We encourage relocation or regional registration as part of your commitment to the ecosystem. This programme is deeply embedded in the West Yorkshire innovation landscape, and part of its mission is to attract and retain high-potential businesses in the area.

Absolutely. If you join the two year programme, you’ll have the opportunity to register your business using the University’s address, giving you a professional base of operations in Bradford.

You’ll also gain access to the Entrepreneurs’ Lounge, meeting and business facilities, library resources, and the wider University infrastructure. This co-location model encourages collaboration, visibility, and connection to local talent, research, and funding networks.

If you already have a valid visa you are welcome to apply to the programme. 

Alternatively, if you don’t have a visa, you may be eligible to apply for an Innovator Founder visa to come to the UK to set up a business. 

To do this you must meet the Home Office’s eligibility criteria.  Your business plan must clearly demonstrate that your proposed business is:  

  • New (not trading elsewhere)  
  • Distinctive  
  • Viable (financially sustainable)  
  • Scalable (with the potential to increase revenues and to create new jobs over time)  

 

Please use the UK Home Office Innovator Founder Visa website to check your eligibility and what is needed to apply.  

Entrepreneurs from overseas can receive expert support from the University to support their application.

No, it is anticipated that participants fund their own travel except in exceptional circumstances. Please get in touch via [email protected] to learn more about this.

We’re accepting applications from anyone, whether you are just at the idea stage, whether you may wish to grow your business without fundraising, or whether you’re wanting to raise investment in the next few months, or indeed at any stage in the future.

If you are planning on signing up for the full two years programme, and you need support from BREE now, you can access support from day one of the full programme (June 2025). Again, the team will determine the support needed and will build out a full support plan to help you and your business throughout the duration of the full two years.

Yes, we can support you. Please include all your requirements in your application.

Yes, please get in touch via our email address [email protected].

Then please do get in touch with us and we can help to answer them.