Last week marked an exciting milestone as we kicked off the UKEF Female Founder Export Accelerator Programme in person in Leeds – a first-of-its-kind initiative delivered in partnership with UK Export Finance (UKEF) and powered by Lifted Ventures.
We were thrilled to welcome 20 ambitious female founders to the first workshop, Foundations of Export and Growth, hosted graciously by Gordons LLP in Leeds. This session set the tone for the journey ahead – equipping founders with practical insights into export strategy, international growth opportunities, and the frameworks needed to scale beyond the UK.
🌍 Why this programme matters
The Female Founder Export Accelerator is a four-month hybrid programme designed by Lifted Ventures to support women-led and women-owned businesses from diverse backgrounds who are ready to expand internationally with confidence.
Funded by UK Export Finance and delivered by Lifted, the programme blends in-person and virtual workshops with tailored mentoring and coaching, giving founders the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed on the global stage.
The accelerator will cover essential export topics including:
- Growth finance and planning
- Legal and global export foundations
- Accessing export finance support
- Building compelling global growth narratives
- One-to-one coaching and Demo Day showcase
and much more through to April 2026.
The founders will apply their new knowledge and skills by refining their business models and pitching their businesses to real investors at a live demo day on 21 May in Leeds.
Highlights from the first workshop
Hosted by Gordons LLP – long-time partner and advocates for female founders – the Foundations of Export and Growth workshop was an inspiring start to the programme. Founders connected with their new peers, shared ambitions, and dove into the fundamentals of entering and succeeding in export markets.
A huge thank you to Gordons LLP for providing such a welcoming space and supporting the learning experience – your partnership helps make opportunities like this possible.
What’s next
Over the coming weeks and months, our cohort will continue on a learning journey designed to accelerate their export readiness and international growth.
With sessions planned both online and in person across the UK including Birmingham and Leeds again later in the programme. There’s plenty of energy, momentum, and potential to unlock.
We can’t wait to see how these founders harness their learning and support to take their businesses global and we’re proud to be part of a programme that champions women-led growth and opens doors to international opportunity.
Investors and ecosystem partners are invited to join us for demo day, when all 20 founders will pitch their businesses live on 21 May in Leeds – more details soon!