University’s WeNetwork launch business support programme for Westminster graduate entrepreneurs

The ten selected early-stage businesses founded by University of Westminster graduates will receive strategic support and up to £10,000 equity-free in-programme funding.

The Elevate programme offers participants a range of support services including mentorship, strategic business planning, hybrid workshops, networking opportunities and access to up to £10,000 in funding.

The first cohort includes a diverse group of entrepreneurs, spanning a wide range of industries and sectors, including:

• Top Tier Immersive Programmes: Spanish (TTIPS), founded by María Laín Valenzuela at Spanish for Executives Ltd, is a study travel agency that connects the students with the best- in-class programmes.
• Carve, founded by Deeksha Talreja, is a well-curated marketplace of thriving independent potters.
• The Research Concierge, founded by Yashraj Jain, is a catalytic research consultancy supporting organisations to leverage their insights capital.
• PawsApp, founded by Piril Buran, is a dog walking app that connects dog owners with trusted dog walkers on demand.
• Doctored Sound, founded by Isatta Cesay, is an independent record label, consultancy and music education hub.
• Friday, founded by Chloe Keenan, is a fashion and lifestyle wholesale agency that introduces international brands into the UK market and advises them on how best to operate after Brexit.
• Translategy, founded by Rosa Salgueiro, is a service that translates English to Spanish and helps legal firms and language service providers to effectively communicate with their Spanish audience.
• Schparkley Creative, founded by Marc and Wren Fegarsky, is a branding, design and marketing studio that helps sustainable start-ups and scale-ups find their groove in the marketplace. 
• Arve, founded by James Pates, is the invoice financing platform for creatives. Arve helps freelancers grow their businesses by offering them cash up front for completed work.

Paul Dwyer said: “WeNetwork’s Elevate programme embodies Westminster’s values and delivers another core element of our support for our students and alumni. We have a great first cohort of businesses and I’m really looking forward to seeing them progress.”

Maria Lain Valenzuela, a participant of the Elevate programme, said: “We are so excited to take part in the programme. We are grateful to be considered for this outstanding opportunity.”

The programme starts in April 2023 and runs over a six-month period. It is part of the University of Westminster’s commitment to supporting graduate and alumni businesses helping them to achieve their goals and have a positive impact on society.

University of Westminster graduates with an existing business are encouraged to consider applying to be in the next cohort of the Elevate programme in the next academic year.

Find out more about the Elevate business support programme.