Bradford, UK – A groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate innovation, enterprise, and investment for women-led businesses across West Yorkshire is looking for ambitious female founders. The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), West Yorkshire Combined Authority & Lifted Ventures Innovation Programme brings together the expertise of investment experts, researchers, academics and the local authority to deliver a transformative journey for 20 women.
Focused on those building high-potential businesses, the programme is open to female founders and co-founders registered in West Yorkshire. With applications now open, the first cohort will begin in June 2025.
Jordan Dargue, Co-Founder, Lifted Ventures said: “We’ve created a programme that addresses the real barriers women face in entrepreneurship – from confidence and leadership support to meaningful investor access and tailored business strategy.”
Participants can choose between a six-month intensive investment accelerator or a comprehensive two-year programme which includes mentorship, access to University of Bradford business and technical facilities, coaching, and international growth opportunities through the Bradford University Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (BREE).
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.
Highlights of the six month programme include:
- Investment readiness training and access to curated investor panels
- Business model innovation and go-to-market strategy development
- Monthly 1:1 mentorship and bi-monthly coaching
- Peer-to-peer learning and long-term network development
- Final investor showcase at the Athena Festival in Leeds and a major event in Bradford
Highlights of the 18-month programme include:
- Comprehensive support including tailored one-to-one mentoring sessions
- Fortnightly interactive workshops focusing on early-stage founder skills development, masterclasses and expert speaker sessions
- World class University facilities and scientific and technical resources including access to the largest AI department in the UK
- Fundraising opportunities at investor panels, industry networking and promotional showcasing events
- A registered address, use of Entrepreneur’s Lounge, meeting rooms and University facilities including the library and industry databases..
“We’re supporting founders right across the spectrum, taking businesses from the idea stage through to building established enterprises. We are proud that over 80% of the start-ups we support are successfully trading after three years,” said Paul Thorning, Director, BREE.
“This initiative will support the incredible talent and entrepreneurial energy of women across West Yorkshire,” said Sonya Bachra-Byrne, Enterprise Development Manager for BREE. “It also reflects the city’s ambition to be a hub of inclusive, high-growth innovation which is coming to the fore, especially as we celebrate Bradford City of Culture 2025.”
The programme is funded and supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the University of Bradford, Lifted Ventures, and the British Business Bank.
Cat Smith, Senior Manager- Yorkshire and Humber, British Business Bank, said: ‘We’re delighted to support this initiative in Bradford which will strengthen the UK’s regional economy by working with s early-stage high-growth businesses in the region to access investment opportunities and build a stronger regional network of founders and investors.”
*Programme open to female founders, co founders, CEO who identify as female.
Applications are open until 30 May 2025.
For more information or to apply, visit: https://liftedventures.co.uk/bree-wyca-innovation/