A Bristol tech incubator is relaunching its bursary to support Black, Asian and minority ethnic entrepreneurs running tech startups.
The University of Bristol’s SETsquared Breakthrough Bursary aims to promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
The bursary, which was launched in 2019, is funded by SETsquared alumni members and provides access to advice and coaching, investment-readiness training, mentoring, events and advice clinics. Companies also get a fixed desk in a shared office.
Each bursary covers 75 per cent of SETsquared Bristol’s Residential Startup Membership for one year, which normally costs £210 per month.
Glyn Blaize, founder of performance software application NORTHSTAR, received the bursary last year.
He said: “The Breakthrough Bursary has been a great support and brilliant treasure trove. Whether attending a seminar, or prepping for investment, there is support for every step of the startup scaleup journey.”
The Breakthrough Bursary was one of a number of key recommendations from a SETsquared-funded research report carried out by partners ACH and Up Our Street in 2018, and rooted in research with tech entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds
Founders at SETsquared Bristol from minority ethnic groups have increased from 14 per cent to 16 per cent over the last year, compared to the five per cent national average.
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Sandeep Roychowdhury, a SETsquared Bristol mentor, 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.”
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.
SETsquared is encouraging women founders, in particular, to apply as a particularly under-represented group.
Applications are open until September 30. To apply, visit setsquared-bristol.co.uk/projects/breakthrough-bursary.