UKEF Female Founder
Export Accelerator
Women Beyond Borders - Take Your Business Global
Are you a female founder running a revenue-generating business and ready to take the next step into international markets?
UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Lifted Ventures have created a first-of-its-kind collaboration to support women-led and women-owned businesses, from diverse backgrounds, who want to expand globally, scale faster and access the finance and tools needed to succeed beyond the UK.
The UKEF Female Founder Export Accelerator in Partnership with Lifted Ventures launches in January 2026 and is designed to equip female founders with the insight, support, and funding pathways they need to scale internationally with confidence.
The accelerator programme is a four-month programme, comprising both in person and virtual accelerated learning workshops along with mentoring and coaching.
Are you a female founder running a revenue-generating business and ready to take the next step into international markets?
UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Lifted Ventures have created a first-of-its-kind collaboration to support women-led and women-owned businesses, from diverse backgrounds, who want to expand globally, scale faster and access the finance and tools needed to succeed beyond the UK.
The UKEF Female Founder Export Accelerator in Partnership with Lifted Ventures launches in January 2026 and is designed to equip female founders with the insight, support, and funding pathways they need to scale internationally with confidence.
The accelerator programme is a four-month programme, comprising both in person and virtual accelerated learning workshops along with mentoring and coaching.
Launch events:
To launch the UKEF Female Founder Export Accelerator and give founders the opportunity to find out if the programme is for them, we’re hosting two events this Autumn.
They are not generic networking events – these events are built for serious, ambitious female founders who are:
- Already exporting and want to accelerate international growth
- Preparing to expand into global markets within the next 12 – 24 months
- Curious about exporting but need clear, practical first steps and how to access the finance to do so
You’ll hear from women founders from diverse backgrounds who’ve successfully taken their businesses global, sharing honest insights on the opportunities and challenges.
We welcome ambitious women founders across every sector and community in the UK. We especially encourage participation from underrepresented groups who are driving innovation and growth.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. The world is waiting – it’s time for women founders to scale beyond borders.
Leeds launch event
Tuesday 4 November, 12noon – 2pm
Bruntwood Platform, New Station St, Leeds LS1 4JB.
Hosted by UKEF & Lifted Ventures (includes networking lunch)
Hear from:
- Tim Reid (Chief Executive of UK Export Finance)
- Liz Whitfield (Chief Executive of Hippo and West Yorkshire Business Board member)
- Panel Chair – Helen Oldham – Lifted Ventures
- Panellist – Sharon Jandu – YABA
- Panellist – Yetunde Bode – Bay & Co
- Panellist – Emma Cassidy – BGF
- Panellist – Anne Kitchener – Semperfli
- Panellist – Marie Hall – UK Export Finance
A fireside chat on going global…
with Heba Bevan – Utterberry Ltd
hosted by Jordan Dargue, Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures
Birmingham launch event
Tuesday 11 November, 12noon – 2pm
Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Spanish Steps, Aston Webb Boulevard, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6SJ
Hosted by UKEF & Lifted Ventures (includes networking lunch)
Panel discussion: ‘Global Export – Women Beyond Borders’:
- Panel chair – Jordan Dargue – Lifted Ventures
- Panellist – Tara Attfield-Tomes – East Village PR
- Panellist – Kameese Davis – Founder Nylah
- Panellist – Jennifer Mathisen – Kidsie
- Panellist – Huw Sparkes – Future Planet Global
- Panellist – Marie Hall – UK Export Finance
A fireside chat on going global…
with Melissa Snover – Nourished
hosted by Helen Oldham, Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures
What You’ll Gain
- Export-readiness insights from experts and female founders from diverse backgrounds, who’ve already gone global.
- A clear understanding of finance and insurance support from UKEF to help you scale internationally.
- First look at the UKEF Female Founder Export Accelerator, including how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
When will applications for the accelerator open?
Applications are now open. Click here to apply. Closing date Friday 5th December (midnight)
Is there support for travel costs in the programme?
While there is no dedicated budget for travel costs in this programme, we’d like to hear from you if this is a significant barrier to your application. In some cases, we may be able to offer additional support, although we cannot guarantee this. Please get in touch via [email protected] if you have any further questions about this.
I have accessibility requirements, will there be support for me on the programme?
Yes, we can support you. Please include all your requirements in your application.
Do I need to attend all the workshop sessions?
To get the most from the programme, we ask that you attend all sessions. The programme includes a mix of in-person and virtual workshops. If you foresee any difficulty attending the in-person sessions, please mention this in your application so we can discuss possible options.
Is the programme free? And how is this funded?
.The accelerator is funded by UK Export Finance and delivered by Lifted Ventures. Participants will not need to pay to participate, however this programme may require you to declare your participation in this programme as part of State Aid. To find out more please contact Sara Parker – [email protected]
Is there mentoring or coaching involved?
Yes. Each founder will receive an hour of bespoke 1:1 coaching from either Jordan or Helen at Lifted Ventures. The coaching session will focus on any additional learning support, your final business plan, your growth narrative/ pitch deck, or any additional areas where you need further clarification. . Mentoring and coaching is provided alongside the group workshops.
What happens if I'm not selected?
If you’re not selected on this occasion, we’d still love to stay engaged. We’ll keep you in mind for future Lifted Ventures programmes and share alternative support options and ecosystem connections to keep your momentum going.
