Pioneer Programme

In 2020, WeNetwork launched the Pioneer Bursary as an exclusive benefit to participants on their Enterprise Programmes. The programmes, namely Start-Up 101 and Freelance Essentials empower students and graduates with the expertise to shape business ideas and turn them into reality or work for themselves as self-employed.

A core driving principle behind the Pioneer Bursary is WeNetwork’s longstanding mission to promote greater inclusion and diversity in business and industry. The programmes aim to achieve this by helping to build a diverse, experienced and highly skilled talent pipeline from the University of Westminster, and the Bursary supports participants financially to launch their business ideas and develop new skills. The support includes expert-led group facilitated workshops, one-on-one mentoring, networking events and access to on-demand content and resources for further self-learning.

Since its inception, the bursary has been awarded to over 150 participants and further engagement data shows that up to 82% of those participating were from a disadvantaged or underrepresented background in entrepreneurship.

The benefits of greater diversity stretch far beyond widening the opportunities of individual students. Businesses are desperately seeking to greater diversify their workforce and pipelines, and a core part of this is to promote new innovative SMEs led by dynamic young entrepreneurs from a variety of backgrounds. These new and varied leadership perspectives create a vibrant and creative industry from which all businesses, big and small can learn from, collaborate and co-create with.

Testimonials

"The programme not only provided me with a solid foundation in business but also recognised my commitment with a money prize and certificate. The engaging workshops enriched my entrepreneurial skills, empowering me to pursue my career with confidence. I'm grateful for the invaluable knowledge it has brought to my journey to create my own business, which I am currently working on."

Robert Takac

"I would like to start by thanking the WeNetwork team for all the exposure and help I have received on the programme. It was a wonderful experience and I got a lot of frontage along the journey. I have received a £500 grant which I have used for my brand’s photoshoot. I would say it has helped me polish my business idea and prepare me for the future."

Pradipta Das

“The programme was a game-changer! It empowered me with the knowledge to establish and run my business successfully. I received funding I used to hire skilled freelancers and an AI tool to elevate our services to a professional level. The mentorship and networking opportunities created a supportive community of entrepreneurs, fostering growth and collaboration. I am forever grateful for the transformative experience provided, making my entrepreneurial dreams a reality.”

Rebecca Veliu

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