University support for women-led firms in new programme
Women-led businesses have been encouraged to apply for a place on a programme supported by the University of Bradford.
The Female Founders Programme is a collaboration between the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), West Yorkshire Combined Authority & Lifted Ventures.
The programme is a powerful two-year journey designed to accelerate women-led innovation across West Yorkshire. The programme, which starts in June 2025, will guide participants from the early stages of their business to being ready for investment or scaling up.
It starts with a six-month accelerator, co-ordinated by Lifted Ventures, followed by 18 months of ongoing training, mentoring and enterprise support from the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem.
There will be an information session on Monday 19 May, 11am to 1.30pm at the University of Bradford to explore the programme offer, which includes:
- An initial six-month accelerator covering business models, investment readiness and scaling, co-ordinated by Lifted Ventures
- Up to 18 months of tailored enterprise incubation, mentoring and fund-raising support through BREE, based at the prestigious School of Management at the University of Bradford - the programme is fully-funded, in return for a small equity position
- Monthly mentoring, access to investor panels, and global growth opportunities
- A supportive, equity-based funding model that works for founders
The event will help founders to explore whether the six month accelerator or the full two year programme is right for them.
So many brilliant ideas never get the chance they deserve, not because they lack potential, but because the support systems weren’t built with women in mind.
How does it work?
There are two options, the six-month programme, or the six-month programme with an additional 18 months of fully-funded enterprise and mentoring in support of enterprise scale-up and sustainability.
The second option equates to two full years of fully-funded professional business tuition and involves the University taking a 15% equity stake in each participating business, with the option to buy back 50% of this equity at a favorable capped rate. In practice, this means that when a business is succeeding, the founder is able to own more of the business to support further investment and growth.
Sonya Bachra-Byrne, Managing Director and Co-Founder at GoodHalo and University of Bradford MBA graduate, pictured below, said: “This approach aligns with the University’s commitment to supporting business growth while ensuring long-term sustainability and strategic value for both parties.
“This structure is designed to balance immediate support with long-term impact. The retained equity helps us reinvest in future cohorts, grow the regional startup ecosystem, and continue backing ambitious founders.”
She added: “So many brilliant ideas never get the chance they deserve, not because they lack potential, but because the support systems weren’t built with women in mind.
“This programme is different. It’s about walking alongside women as they turn their vision into something real and lasting. If you've been waiting for the right moment to step forward, this is it.”
Who Should Attend?
The programme is being run in partnership with Lifted Ventures, the University of Bradford (Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem), the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the British Business Bank.
- Women founders or co-founders based in (or planning to move to) West Yorkshire
- Those exploring whether the six-month accelerator or full two-year programme is right for them
- Investors, ecosystem partners and support organisations interested in inclusive innovation
- Women considering starting a new business in West Yorkshire
Places are limited so please register now to avoid disappointment. The deadline for applications for the Innovation Programme is Friday 30 May.
Candidates’ businesses can be in any sector, with a particular interest in digital, health tech, creative industries and clean tech.
What is BREE?
Based at the University of Bradford, BREE is a business start-up initiative open to staff, students and members of the public. The University is aiming to become the UK’s number one destination for entrepreneurs. It will build on the University's long history of research and innovation.
BREE, launched in January 2024, has been made possible thanks to a £1.25m donation from alumnus Dr Murthy Renduchintala, and a further £1.25m from the University. Email [email protected] for more information.
BREE has already offered to support to businesswomen including Sarwat Murtaza, who founded Ethimaart, an online curated giftshop, selling ethically sourced handmade products and Agnes Aliri, pictured below, who founded TiwaOma, which creates wigs for black children and women experiencing hair loss.
