Programme

14:00

Registration and refreshments

14:15

Welcome from Bayes Business School

Dr Sara Jones, Director of the Centre for Creativity in Professional Practice, Bayes Business School

Dr Ioannis Moutzouris, Associate Dean for Employability and Engagement, Bayes Business School

Parallel sessions

Stream 1: Bridging socio-economic divides

75% of UK startup founders come from advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. How might we build a more inclusive business support ecosystem where the school you went to, or how much money your family has, are not the main predictors of entrepreneurial success? Join us for a live expert panel where we debate some key provocations from a recent CityVentures research study, and then have your say as we collectively share and create potential solutions in an interactive workshop. Whether you're an established business founder or passionate about your side-hustle, running an accelerator or incubator programme, working in social mobility policy or a startup investor, we need all your perspectives if we want to make change happen.

In collaboration with CityVentures

Stream 2: Bridging global divides

How can the United Kingdom work with its allies across the world to enable more effective innovation through the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems with universities at their core? Join senior representatives of UK partner countries from Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia to explore how we can best work together to build the sustainable and resilient ecosystems that can deliver the innovations and technologies we will rely on in future. Inspired by experiences from the Innovation for African Universities programme, as well as other similar initiatives around the world, help shape new ways of working together that can effectively bridge global divides.

In collaboration with ChangeSchool

Stream 3: Bridging the gap for start up funding

Gain exclusive insights from a seasoned Venture Capitalist who will reveal what really makes investors open their chequebooks. Specifically designed for entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, this session delivers the competitive edge you need to stand out in the funding race.

Join Stewart Noakes for a hands-on Pitch Deck Clinic. Bring your deck and watch it evolve as you apply insider knowledge from Part 1. Plus, get exclusive access to cutting-edge AI technology that benchmarks your pitch against successful decks, delivering actionable feedback that dramatically increases your chances of securing investment.

In collaboration with Canopy Community

16:30

Coffee break

17:00

Building Better Bridges

What makes investors open their chequebooks for entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds? What might more inclusive business support ecosystems look like? How can universities underpin the development of more effective entrepreneurship ecosystems, both in the UK and around the world?

Join our panel moderator Philip Salter, and panellists Kelly Bewers, Marwa Ebrahim and Stewart Noakes to find out.

17:45

BREAK

CityVentures Demo Night