º£½ÇÊÓƵ

Bristol entrepreneurs from ethnic minority backgrounds are being encouraged to apply for a bursary aimed at boosting inclusivity in the tech industry.

Technology incubator SETsquared Bristol is relaunching its 'Breakthrough Bursary' for 2022 and is calling on business owners in the tech sector to apply.

The bursary provides access to tailored business support at discounted rates and includes coaching and mentoring, advice clinics, events, skills and training workshops, and support to raise investment.

Successful applicants are also given three months' free access to desk space in a shared office at Engine Shed in Bristol. The initiative is funded by SETsquared Bristol alumni members and the University of Bristol.

Since its launch in 2019, 14 companies have been recipients of the bursary including South West-based start-ups FluoretiQ; Gritty Talent; and LatchAid. Between them, the companies have raised a combined £2.7m in investment.

Inclusivity tracking tool Inclued was one of five bursary awardees last year. The company's founder and chief executive, Joyann Boyce, said: "My experience of the Breakthrough Bursary has been nothing but positive. As an entrepreneur you often feel like you are out there on your own, but SETsquared Bristol provides a supportive community of founders at all stages. Access to the Entrepreneurs in Residence has been fundamental to mapping out our investment strategy.”

Another of last year’s bursary recipients was Ali Kazmi, who founded ethically compliant investment platform Ethical Equity. He said: "Being part of SETsquared Bristol via the Breakthrough Bursary has been instrumental to our success. In particular, having access to market/founder insights and SETsquared’s extensive network."

SETsquared Bristol said companies at the incubator with founders from a minority ethnic background have increased from 14% to 24% since it launched the Breakthrough Bursary in 2019.