In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, initiatives like WeNetwork's Elevate Business Support Programme play a pivotal role in shaping the success stories of ambitious University of Westminster alumni who are now business owners. Elevate is a six-month programme which offers tailored and strategic support to put the participating businesses on a pathway to growth.
With a dedicated Programme Advisor supporting these entrepreneurs to design a business growth plan and conducting regular progress reviews, Elevate participants benefit from accountability support, strategic business planning, and industry-relevant mentoring.
Elevate goes beyond conventional support by facilitating access to a diverse network of subject experts, conducting workshops, and fostering a culture of peer-to-peer support, enabling founders to increase revenue, enhance market visibility, and develop leadership skills while optimising processes using digital tools.
A recent success story is the one of Chloe Keenan who is a Fashion Buying Management BA ‘20 graduate from the University of Westminster. Chloe’s transformative experience on Elevate propelled her fashion and lifestyle wholesale agency, Friday, to new heights.
Friday specialises in growing international brands in the UK market, offering tailored sales strategies and post-Brexit market operation advice. Despite their niche expertise, Chloe recognised the need for a fresh perspective to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving market.
At the very start of the programme, WeNetwork connected Chloe with Mark Sweeny, the Founder and Chief Executive of de Novo Solutions, who became her dedicated mentor. Mark's testimonial highlights the fantastic learning experience for both of them.
"Earlier this year I was approached and accepted a mentor role with my alma mater University of Westminster Elevate programme. It's been my absolute privilege to help Chloe Keenan, the founder of Friday Studios. The Elevate programme has been a fantastic learning experience for both of us over the past seven months. I have so enjoyed our meetings and glad to see Chloe develop, her can-do attitude, thirst for knowledge and sheer tenacity to make her business a success are to be championed - she is definitely a role model for younger entrepreneurs."
Strong foundation
Chloe attests to the programme's impact on Friday's foundational aspects. Elevate, guided by the programme experts and her mentor, introduced her to key business elements that were previously overlooked, revolutionising their daily operations. The programme compelled Chloe to view her business from an external standpoint, essential for revitalising an established model in a saturated market.
Revamped marketing strategy
Chloe and her team revamped their marketing strategy by leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The newfound visibility not only broadened their reach within the fashion industry but also positioned Friday as an innovative player.
Operational optimisation
Elevate's workshops and mentoring led Chloe to fully utilise essential tools like Pipedrive, Squarespace, Later, Canva, and Zoom. These tools not only streamlined Friday’s operations but also elevated their digital presence.
Financial runway protection
The Elevate programme, empowered Chloe to find innovative ways to protect Friday's financial runway. This strategic approach not only ensured financial stability but also positioned Friday as a standout player in the competitive fashion consultancy space.
Chloe emphasises the invaluable lessons from Elevate's one-on-one sessions, particularly in adopting a stakeholder perspective. This shift in mindset allowed Chloe to evaluate business aspects strategically, removing personal biases and enhancing decision-making.
Chloe sees the skills acquired during the Elevate programme as life changing. The collaborative support stemming from the Elevate cohort has become an ongoing source of inspiration for Chloe. She notes, "Being part of the Elevate cohort is like having a community where we can exchange insights, ideas, and solutions."
Friday's evolution from a traditional wholesale agency to an innovative consultancy highlights the Elevate programme's profound impact on business operations and growth objectives. Reflecting on the challenges and successes of her engagement with Elevate, Chloe captures the essence of her experience, stating, "The Elevate programme has been a game-changer for us. It's not just about business growth; it's about developing skills that are now fundamental to our daily operations. We've learned to see our business from new perspectives, and that's priceless in a rapidly changing market."
Champion the next generation of entrepreneurs like Chloe Keenan by getting involved in WeNetwork’s initiatives. As an external partner, your expertise and mentorship can make a significant impact on a graduate's journey to success. If you're passionate about fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs, reach out to WeNetwork at [email protected] and explore how you can contribute to supporting the next generation of business leaders.
Hear from other students and graduates who have been supported by WeNetwork and find out how you can support our students' entrepreneurial dreams on the Westminster Enterprise Network page.