LCR Founders is supported by the European Social Fund and will co-develop a sustainable co-founder ecosystem. Together we will match up University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University student and graduate talent to form new business start-ups across the Liverpool City Region.
Going forward
One thing we do know for sure is innovation and entrepreneurship will be keys to the future of work. The ability to create your own venture, build a sustainable growth business, create jobs for yourself and others, and generate social impact, will become the key superpowers of the digital age.
On the LCR Founders programme you will learn skills that will serve you for a whole lifetime.
The programme
The Liverpool City Region Founders programme is an end-to-end programme designed to support you all the way from the creation of your founder team to the definition of your exit strategy.
You will participate in a custom-designed programme:
- Up to 16-days of training workshops and coaching activities each semester, including a two-day start-up weekend
- Membership of a unique online community platform*
- Access to leading business and investment leaders across the Liverpool City Region (LCR)
- Access to prizes and enterprise funds of up to £9,000*.
The LCR Programme is designed for start-ups with the following characteristics:
- Has two or more cofounders
- Based in the Liverpool City Region
- Has growth potential, based on its own know-how or creative IP
- Is a diverse and inclusive team, ideally drawn from a range of experiences and varied skillsets
- Demonstrates an investible project with social impact.
But we know you may show up with all of this right away. Whether you’re an experienced founder or a complete novice, we can support you to find the right pathway for you so we can get as many people as possible involved - we’re open to everybody!
To begin with, you don’t need an idea. You don’t even need a team. We can help you with those things. You just need to be someone who believes you can take charge of your destiny and make a change to your world.
If this sounds like you, join the Green Room and chat to other start-up founders
*eligible for University of Liverpool students and graduates only (please check for eligibility and detailed terms and conditions)
Take advantage of local support:
Additional resources are available for young entrepreneurs seeking advice and guidance, funding and workspace. We would recommend considering these in addition to :
Enactus Liverpool and Liverpool Entrepreneurs Network Society (LENS)
Student-led enterprise societies at Liverpool Guild of Students offering help and support to students looking to set up their own businesses.
Liverpool Science Park (LSP)
LSP offers high spec lab-compatible office space for science and knowledge based companies. The offer includes a basic ‘virtual’ office facility plus additional benefits.
Local Growth Hub
A single access point within the Liverpool City Region for business whether at a start-up or established stage to discover the advice and support they need to flourish. A series of events are available along with funded programmes.
Student Jelly @ Sensor City
An informal get-together providing opportunities to meet other students to collaborate with, bounce ideas off or to talk about your new idea. Student Jelly provides free desk space, WiFi, coffee and popcorn. Simply turn up, bring a laptop and get your work done. This runs every Wednesday during term-time (1pm - 5pm) at Sensor City, 31 Russell Street, Liverpool, L3 5LJ. No need to book.
Innovate UK
18 innovation competitions funded by the government. Businesses can apply for a share of up to £15 million to develop novel products and services, or a further £10 million to work on projects with graduates.
Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF)
MSIF provides a wide range of funding to businesses across the North West, predominantly in the Liverpool City Region and surrounding areas. Funding is available from as little as £500 right up to £2 million+ for a variety of business needs including start-ups, expansions, acquisitions and management buy outs/buy ins.
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