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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

Ready to apply?

Questions?

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

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Frequently asked questions

What is the eligibility criteria for this programme?
  • Registered business in West Yorkshire, UK.
  • Application from a woman founder or co-founder, or anyone identifying as a woman. A founder, co-founder or CEO of the business.
  • Sector agnostic – with a focus on digital, health tech, creative industries and clean tech
  • Business to have been 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.
  • Business looking to fundraise in the next 12 – 18 months.
  • Ability to commit to either the six month programme or the full two years programme.
  • Desire to work with Lifted Ventures and BREE including understanding and accepting equity stake of 15% by BREE. 7.5% can be claimed back.  
  • Ability to attend all workshops – both in person and virtual in Bradford

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 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 and the British Business Bank.

The two year programme – Founders looking for more intensive support to scale their business over a two-year period can access the established and successful BREE programme, which provides fully-funded support for a further eighteen months.

The extended two-year programme engages the BREE team at the University of Bradford, offering tailored mentoring, access to expert sessions and masterclasses, regular investment and networking events, use of business facilities (including Entrepreneur’s Lounge) and market intelligence and industry databases, meeting rooms and access to technical (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 this support is available immediately.

A diagnostic questionnaire will be used to ensure that all founders who sign up to the programme only connect with components which are relevant to their business growth plans and starting position.

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

Six-Month Accelerator Phase

  • Investment readiness training: Masterclasses on investment options (equity, debt, grants), financial forecasting, and legal frameworks. 
  • Business model refinement: Identifying scalable revenue models, competitive differentiation, and market positioning. 
  • Entrepreneurial leadership: Confidence-building, personal branding, and overcoming barriers to scaling. 
  • Onsite business visits: Learning from women-led businesses that have successfully raised capital.
  • Investor & pitching readiness: Intensive sessions on pitch deck development and storytelling.

Eighteen Months of Continued Support from BREE at the University of Bradford

With 80% of businesses in our core programme surviving beyond three years, this structured support is designed to counter the high failure rates typically seen within the first three years of a startup’s journey, positioning founders for long-term success. 

  • Tailored Mentorship & Guidance: Personalised mentoring from industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and academic specialists including monthly coaching sessions from the BREE team. 
  • Access to University Resources: Gain access to University facilities, research expertise, and academic support to refine business models and drive innovation. Founders may also benefit from specialist support from the AI and Marketing departments, leveraging student talent to develop strategic insights and marketing campaigns as part of the Bradford Business Challenge, further enhancing business growth and visibility. 
  • Funding Opportunities: Guidance on securing grants, investment, and financial resources to scale ventures and opportunities to pitch with curated investor panels. 
  • Bi-Monthly Founder Support Sessions: These rotating sessions focus on key areas such as:
    • Personal Founder Development: Practical learning with hands on training revenue modelling, strategic marketing, resilience, negotiation and entrepreneurial mindset. Peer-to-Peer Learning: Encouraging collaboration and shared problem-solving among founders and be part of our early-stage founder community. 
    • Expert-Led Masterclasses: Insights from subject matter specialists covering essential business topics. 
    • Entrepreneur Knowledge-Sharing Sessions: First-hand experiences from successful entrepreneurs, discussing challenges, lessons learned, and growth strategies. These interactive and immersive sessions foster confidence, expand professional networks both regionally and nationally, and significantly enhance a founder’s ability to navigate the complexities of building a successful business. 
  • A structured equity model, where BREE takes a 15% equity stake, with a buyback option for 7.5% equity within the duration of the programme. Please note this is only relevant to those founders who sign up for the two years programme in total.
  • Access to On-Site Facilities: Participants can register their company using the University’s address, providing a professional base for their venture. They will also have access to the Entrepreneurs’ Lounge, a dedicated workspace fostering collaboration and productivity. Additionally, participants can utilise the University library, which offers industry-led databases to support market research, competitive analysis, and industry insights, equipping founders with the knowledge needed to refine and scale their businesses. 
  • Opportunities for University-wider international programmes within the Open Innovation programme, businesses can access scaling opportunities and enhanced global visibility. This will connect entrepreneurs with industry leaders, innovation hubs, and strategic partners, supporting long-term business growth on an international scale. 
  • Ongoing University Support: Participants will receive continued coaching and advisory services post- programme, provided they actively contribute to the ecosystem. This may include serving as a mentor, guest speaker, or offering support to the next generation of female entrepreneurs. By fostering a cycle of knowledge-sharing and community engagement, alumni can remain connected to the programme while playing a key role in strengthening the entrepreneurial network.

The initial six month programme is free to access and requires no equity to change hands.


If you apply for the two year extended programme, fully-funded tailored support from the University (please see above) and use of business facilities will be available immediately. If you elect 18 months support from the BREE team at the end of the initial 6 months Lifted programme, support from the University of Bradford will commence at that time.


Support from the BREE team involves the University of Bradford acquiring the right to a 15% shareholding in your business, with you having the option to reacquire 7.5% in the future for a capped £12,500 fee, should you wish to. In essence this means that if your business grows in value, you can choose to buy back shares, but are under no obligation to do so. At the same time, the University of Bradford has an incentive to ensure your business succeeds.


We will complete an appropriateness test with you following your application to determine which programme may be best for you.

The University of Bradford is providing free 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 fee the University acquires the right to a 15% share of your business. This effectively places the value of your start-up business at £80,000.

After two years, if 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. 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. Through this structure the University is strongly incentivised to ensure your business is successful, and you have no obligation to pay fees.

The programme has 14 sessions, from site visits, in person events and online workshops. 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 bespoke to each of the businesses needs.

The two year programme is particularly well-suited for businesses in early-stage growth or those needing intensive support and mentorship, such as those developing a complex product. The BREE team have particular 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 will be used to ensure that all founders who sign up to the programme only connect with components which are relevant to their business growth plans and starting position.

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. 

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

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

If your business is outside of the UK and wants to move to Bradford, you can do so as part of this programme and set up within the University of Bradford. This will form part of the full programme with continued support from the University.

You should have a significant shareholding in the businesses, ideally equal to that of any male co-founders.

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’re not sure about fundraising or if you’re wanting to raise investment in the next few months.

Participation in the fully funded programme requires the University of Bradford to take a 15% equity stake in each participating business. To ensure flexibility for founders, businesses will have the option to buy back 50% of this equity (7.5%), at a capped rate at £12,500. Which is to be exercised within two years of joining the programme. This approach aligns with the University’s commitment to supporting business growth while ensuring long-term sustainability and strategic value for both parties. The retained equity allows the University to reinvest in future cohorts, further strengthening the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem).

The 15% equity and 7.5% buy back structure is a really good tool for growing new businesses. If your business has already secured investment or is actively trading, we can determine the value of your business and work out an appropriate shareholding (and buy back). 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.

No, it’s not mandatory to join the two year programme.

You can choose to apply for the six month accelerator only, which provides intensive and high-value support through Lifted Ventures. During onboarding, you’ll also be given the option to upgrade to the full two year programme with Bradford University if you’d like access to the extended benefits, including incubation space and continued mentorship.

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.

We accept applications from international applicants. International applicants must meet the Home Office’s eligibility criteria, and must either hold a valid visa (e.g. Post-study Work visa) or apply for one. 


As a Legacy Endorsing Body, the University of Bradford has extensive experience of
supporting international entrepreneurs, and can provide guidance on applying for an
Innovator Founder visa.


If applying for an Innovator Founder visa your business plan must clearly demonstrate that your proposed business is: 


● New (not trading elsewhere) 
● Innovative (a novel, distinctive business proposition) 
● 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.

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, library resources, and the wider University infrastructure. This co-location model encourages collaboration, visibility, and connection to local talent, research, and funding networks.

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 also 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.

Ready to apply?

Questions?

Apply now
Get in touch