Westminster’s WeNetwork hosts networking event to kick off next Elevate alumni business support cohort

The launch event hosted the six cohort participants, programme mentors, the WeNetwork team as well as other collaborators. This event was an opportunity for them to meet, share their businesses and exchange ideas over refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.

Professor Graham Shapiro from the Graham Shapiro Foundation and Justin Haroun, Head of the University’s Centre for Resilience, presented the self-leadership programme, an exclusive benefit for the six participants of the Elevate programme. They will offer one-to-one coaching with a certified member of the University’s Centre for Resilience and access to psychometric tools and heart monitor equipment to help students recognise and measure their own beliefs, behaviours and environmental factors that can help protect them against stress and burnout.

The 2025 cohort represents a diverse group of ambitious entrepreneurs from a range of industries, from fashion and beauty to technology and marketing. This year’s cohort includes Bervera by Arjun Talwar, a clean-tasting coconut water brand inspired by a family business in India; By Bdsha by Mahfuza Begum, a modest fashion brand empowering Muslim women; Sixth Gear by Jordan Samuels, an activewear company designed to help individuals unlock their potential; Tru Skn by Elizabeth Ola, a beauty brand promoting diversity and inclusion in cosmetics with sustainable products; Fastech Solutions by Riccardo Facciolongo, a digital solutions company specialising in CGI, app development and web design; and JuntosApp by Luis Andres Garcia Bustamente, a marketplace connecting the UK’s Hispanic community, focusing on supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The six-month programme provides tailored guidance and strategic resources to help boost their businesses, with a strong focus on revenue generation and improving efficiency. It offers an environment of collaboration, learning and growth, reflecting WeNetwork’s commitment to empowering alumni founders to build sustainable and impactful businesses.

Justin Haroun said: “The Centre for Resilience was thrilled to launch the third cohort of our Self-Leadership Programme for young entrepreneurs. Thanks to the generous support of the Shapiro Foundation, we can continue empowering entrepreneurs as they turn their ideas into reality. Last year, participants greatly benefited from the programme, which provided science-based insights and personalised coaching. A key goal of our initiative is to help entrepreneurs prioritise their wellbeing and sustainability, enabling them to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”

The Elevate programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Find out more about the Elevate business support programme at the University of Westminster.