LCR Founders is an ERDF funded enterprise programme that aims to support Liverpool students and graduates as they form new business start-ups across the City Region.
At the end of last year, the team held a showcase event at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory to recognise and reward talented entrepreneurs from across the city.
Students and graduates were invited to participate in the competition, pitching their businesses to an audience of influential people from the Liverpool City Region Start-up ecosystem. The Prize was £500 sponsored by CashPlus, and the winner on the evening was University of Liverpool student, James Barber.
Final year Mathematics and Computer Science student James is the founder and Chief Executive of Jamescape, where he is currently leading the development of an online platform for homelessness charities while also managing day-to-day operations of the business.
Speaking about the award, James said, “It is a great honour to have been voted the winner against some tough competition from innovative businesses that are having a great impact across the Liverpool City Region. The University of Liverpool’s Enterprise Fund has been a great help in launching our software development project and as we continue to grow, the 1:1 support offered by Alison Pountney, Innovation Coach at the University has proved invaluable. Thank you to the team for their support and the invitation to pitch at this event.”
Sue Trish, LCR Founders Project Manager said, “We were really impressed by the standard of the pitches. Students from across the city spoke passionately about their new start-up ventures and gave us a great insight into their ideas and future plans. James delivered an incredible pitch and his vision was both creative and innovative. The team and I are excited to see Jamescape scale up and develop their ideas – and look forward to seeing what comes next! Well done James!”
The Enterprise Fund is now open for applications
The University of Liverpool Enterprise Fund offers students and graduates the chance to apply for awards varying from £500-£5,000 to support the development of an existing enterprise or early-stage business idea.
You do not need to have a start-up already running, however, you will need to supply a business plan with as much detail as possible to show how the funding will help your business idea develop.
The fund will accept submissions until 17 March, but early applications are encouraged.