Having now completed our seventh year, we are proud of the impact our programme has had on the under-served and under-represented groups that have taken part. This year’s cohort was our most diverse yet and the application of their lived experience has inspired all of us involved in the programme. There was a broad canvas of ideas, and all teams were united in their unwavering commitment to create significant social and environmental impact through their work. We are delighted to continue to play a role in their entrepreneurial journeys. In response to the British Business Bank’s 2020 Alone Together report, we are proud of the role we have played in diversifying the start-up landscape.
The Ingenuity Programme tackles the UK’s major social and environmental challenges through the creation of impactful new start-ups. Rooted in the concept of civic entrepreneurship, the programme brings together students, graduates, community organisations, universities, local government, corporates and the third sector to develop new impact driven businesses that have the potential to create meaningful change to people’s lives and environment.
Having now completed our seventh year, we are proud of the impact our programme has had on the under-served and under-represented groups that have taken part. This year’s cohort was our most diverse yet and the application of their lived experience has inspired all of us involved in the programme. There was a broad canvas of ideas, and all teams were united in their unwavering commitment to create significant social and environmental impact through their work. We are delighted to continue to play a role in their entrepreneurial journeys. In response to the British Business Bank’s 2020 Alone Together report, we are proud of the role we have played in diversifying the start-up landscape.
2023 saw us deliver the Ingenuity Programme across six regions bringing in participants from across the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber and the South East, South West and South Coast. Joining our longstanding partners Shakespeare Martineau and Nottingham Forest Community Trust, 2023 also saw us expand and develop the relationship with our most recent corporate partner Nuffield Health. All partners provided invaluable contributions to this year’s programme, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative relationships.
This year we were able to support over 307 changemakers, including 110 community participants. Participants were tasked with identifying and developing business ideas that could help improve health, tackle climate change and build stronger communities. Alongside students and graduates from the University of Nottingham and Ingenuity’s national network of 30 plus university partners, the programme collaborated with local residents and community groups to identify more sustainable ways of operating and delivering impact.
The programme began in September 2022 with a series of outreach events across the country to highlight the biggest issues facing the UK and the role of civic entrepreneurship in driving change. With the support of colleagues from the Haydn Green Institute, participants were given the opportunity to work through the Ingenuity Process to systematically contextualise their chosen challenges and begin identifying potential solutions. They were also invited to participate in the My Way Project whichsupports those facing structural barriers to entrepreneurship to develop confidence and motivation and to build up their entrepreneurial, leadership and business skills.
The main programme of skills and training began in January 2023, with a flexible 16-week skills and training offering to help participants turn their initial ideas into viable, sustainable and profitable businesses. Our online Ingenuity SkillsHub provided step-by-step guidance for them to develop their ideas and an outline business plan. They also had opportunities to access bespoke advice and guidance through our one-to-one mentoring sessions and series of drop-in sessions with industry and academic experts.
After two rounds of shortlisting, including regional competitions, Ingenuity invited 17 participants to take part in the national competition and pitch for their share of a £75,000 funding pot. They received further mentorship and guidance and each delivered a 10-minute pitch to a panel of impact investors, Ingenuity partner representatives and industry influencers.
The support we’ve been able to give this year’s cohort would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions from all the Ingenuity Programme’s partner organisations and supporters. Thank you to all those involved in driving forward our mission of civic entrepreneurship.
Our next programme cycle begins in September 2023. If you or your organisation are interested in joining the Ingenuity network, please contact ingenuity@nottingham.ac.uk.
Thank you.
