Welcome back to the Fearless Friday newsletter! This week, we will look at what investors and...
This week, we’re celebrating #InternationalCoworkingDay and highlighting some fantastic start-up opportunities we’ve spotted, including government grants, global competitions, and unmissable founder community events. This edition is packed with useful insights, and, as always, we’ll be spotlighting a small business, too! We hope we can add a little value to your venture.
Funding Opportunities
GOV UK Innovation Funding competitions
Jumping straight in, there are a number of open innovation funding competitions on the GOV.uk website for UK-based Start-up businesses. One of the funding opportunities that caught our eye this week, was Innovate UK Investor Partnerships: SME round 8.
This competition is open to single applicants only. To qualify, you need to:
- be a UK-registered micro, small and medium-sized business (SME)
- carry out its project work in the UK
- intend to exploit the results from or in the UK
- have been invited to apply by an investor from our pool of selected investor partners
Apply soon if there are any great opportunities for you, as closing dates for some schemes are as early as the 14th of August! Whether you're looking to build your team, venture into new markets, or seek further investment, the programme could help you gain the knowledge and skills to excel in a range of business areas.
The Natwest Accelerator
The Natwest Accelerator is for ambitious businesses looking to expand, build their teams, venture into new markets, or seek further investment.
Gain access to:
- One-to-one coaching helping you develop yourself and your business.
- A community of like-minded entrepreneurs through our virtual network
- Plus, free co-working spaces across the UK to make use of
- And much more!
Tech Nation Upscale Programme
This three-month program is a great opportunity for ambitious founders. It aims to accelerate the growth of the UK’s most promising companies. You'll be equipped with the knowledge, connections, and tools needed to scale your businesses successfully.
Is This Program Right for You?
The Upscale Programme is tailored for companies in the UK, typically at Series A and looking to raise Series B funding. To qualify, companies should meet the following criteria:
- Raised a £5m+ Series A funding round OR have £1.5-£5m in revenue
- Founder commitment to actively participate in the programme
- Headquarters located in the UK
Applications close on the 9th of September 2024, with the program starting on the 17th of September 2024.
Founders, for more funding opportunities, watch out for our next Fearless Fridays edition!
Community Events
Startup Law 101: Tips for Startups and Tech Companies - 14th August 2024
Moving on to some free and insightful community events! LegalVision's "Startup Law 101" event at Colony One Manchester is an opportunity to gain valuable insights about the essential legal considerations for starting and managing a successful business and tips to navigate the legal landscape with confidence.
LegalVision has supported over 150,000 businesses across Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.
What you'll get out of this event:
- How to protect your intellectual property (IP) and leverage your IP for valuations
- Fundraising essentials: navigating funding and negotiation strategies
- How to ensure data and privacy compliance in 2024
- Essential agreements for founders and employees
AI for Non-Technical Business Leaders - 18th September 2024
The Great British Entrepreneurs Community is hosting an event aimed at empowering non-technical founders and their teams to harness the power of AI for growth and innovation.
The event will be led by Cien Solon, Co-founder and CEO of LaunchLemonade.app and Director of Scale That Thing in London, United Kingdom, with additional speakers to be announced soon!
Whether you're launching a startup or scaling an established business, this is your opportunity to unlock AI's potential, so don’t miss out!
Women in Business & Tech Expo - 2nd-3rd October 2024
For Female Founders, Karren Brady’s Women in Business and Tech Expo is the UK's leading event for women in business and technology. This two-day expo is designed for individuals looking to elevate their careers and businesses to the next level.
Featured keynote speakers include Karen Lambert-Gorwyn from Heart-Centred Business, Louise Robey, Director of Growth at Women In Change, and Tech She Can Co-CEO Sheridan Ash MBE. This empowering female-led event offers attendees the ability to:
- Connect with organisations and leaders that champion women
- Find employers that empower their female workforce
- Learn how to progress in tech and enter the field
- Explore career opportunities
- And so much more.
These free events are a great opportunity to network and gain more knowledge and skills. We will keep you updated on our top picks for future founder-orientated events!
Celebrating International Co-working Day
Today, we are celebrating the power co-working spaces have to bring founders, freelancers, and innovators. These vibrant environments foster collaboration, creativity, and growth.
Co-working spaces are so important in helping you move from isolation to a vibrant, collaborative environment. They boost your productivity, broaden your network, and foster growth in a dynamic and supportive setting.
Take advantage of the unique opportunity co-working spaces offer to connect with a diverse community, unlocking new collaborations and business opportunities.
If you'd like to experience the benefits of co-working firsthand, check out COLONY & Bruntwood—two standout spaces that offer exceptional environments for collaboration and innovation.
Small Business Spotlight
Introducing our spotlight of the week, I AM NUT OK.
I AM NUT OK began as a modest market stall in Hackney, where Angela and Nivi launched their vegan cheeses. Today, their products are featured in top retailers like Selfridges, Wholefoods, and Ocado. I AM NUT OK has grown to become one of the UK’s top artisan vegan cheese brands!
Dedicated to sustainability, I AM NUT OK ensures that all their products are 100% plant-based, containing no animal ingredients or by-products. They are also committed to using eco-friendly packaging and actively encourage customers to repurpose and responsibly dispose of their packaging.
Angela’s passion project began with a simple mission: to create healthy, delicious alternatives for Nivi, an Italian who was struggling to give up cheese while transitioning to a vegan lifestyle.
Check out I AM NUT OK here.
