News / SETsquared Bristol
SETsquared Bristol relaunches Breakthrough Bursary
Entrepreneurs are invited to apply for a Breakthrough Bursary, launched to help drive inclusive and sustainable growth in the tech industry.
This is the second instalment of the initiative, led by SETsquared Bristol, which is aimed at black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) startup founders and provides participants with access to strategic advice, coaching, including investment readiness training, mentoring, events and advice clinics.
Lisa Matthews, SETsquared Bristol incubation manager, said: “Inclusive and sustainable growth is more vital than ever in a post-Covid world, and it has been proven that diverse business ecosystems will drive innovation and economic impact.
“Last year’s Breakthrough Bursary saw an incredible response but we recognise there is plenty more work to be done to provide equal opportunities in tech.”
The bursary was one of a number of key recommendations to come out of a research report funded by SETsquared Bristol and carried out by ACH and Up Our Street in 2018.
Glyn Blaize says “SETsquared will add some serious nitro to your startup engine” – photo © David Sargent Photography
Speaking about the difference the bursary can make, Glyn Blaize, the founder of performance software application NORTHSTAR and one of the first cohort of recipients, said: “The Breakthrough Bursary has been a great support and brilliant treasure trove for NORTHSTAR. Whether attending a seminar, to prepping for investment there is support for every step of the startup scaleup journey.
“I would definitely say SETsquared will add some serious nitro to your startup engine.”
Companies also get a fixed desk in a shared office as part of the bursary, enabling them to benefit from supportive co-working communities at SETsquared and Engine Shed. Each bursary covers 75 per cent of SETsquared Bristol’s Residential Startup Membership for one year, which normally costs £210 per month.
SETsquared Bristol mentor, Sandeep Roychowdhury, said: “In the future, these entrepreneurs will not only drive inclusive growth in the region but also acquire the potential to advise and mentor upcoming BAME generations that in turn build new inclusive networks and foster more diversity in the future of tech.”
Any black, Asian or minority ethnic entrepreneurs can apply for the Breakthrough Bursary if they are developing a new tech business, or already have an incorporated tech business and want help growing it and achieving financial success. black, Asian and minority ethnic women are encouraged to apply as a particularly underrepresented group.
Find out more about the bursary and how to apply via www.setsquared-bristol.co.uk/apply/apply-here/. The deadline for completing the application form is September 30 and applicants are advised to mention ‘Breakthrough Bursary’ in the ‘how did you hear about us?’ section.
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