WARWICK university students and local entrepreneurs are being offered support, coaching and the chance to win £10,000 from NatWest during Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 16 – 22).
NatWest has been running several virtual pitching workshops showing students and entrepreneurs from the wider community how to structure, write and deliver a killer 60-second pitch. They will then have the chance to enter a competition to win £10,000, and a place on the bank’s accelerator programme.
The bank runs the largest Entrepreneur Accelerator programme in the UK, having supported 30,000 businesses since launch, through its network of 12 physical accelerator hubs and its virtual coaching and education platform Business Builder.
Through its innovation alliance with University of Warwick, NatWest is helping to provide education, guidance and coaching to student cohorts and members of the wider innovation and entrepreneur community in Warwick.
Gordon Merrylees, NatWest’s head of entrepreneurship, said: “As the UK’s leading bank for start-ups we’re thrilled to be broadening our partnership with the University of Warwick to help the next generation of entrepreneurs learn about entrepreneurship, starting a business, and perfect their pitch. A compelling pitch is one of the most important tools for any entrepreneur. Whether it’s to secure new business, attract investment or simply just to get noticed, pitching is an important discipline worth honing and a crucial stepping stone to success. We wish everyone taking part the best of luck.”
David Plumb, Chief Innovation Officer, University of Warwick said: “Today’s unprecedented uncertainty requires fresh thinking to create new possibilities. These entrepreneurial skills will be required across all aspects of society, business and government, as we urgently need to rebuild in a sustainable way. We are delighted therefore to be agreeing this Innovation Alliance with NatWest. We share their ambition to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and look forward to growing our impact together.”
Businesses can submit their final pitch via YouTube by November 30 2020. A panel will then select finalists from around the country, who will be invited to pitch at the live Grand Final Event in early 2021 for a chance to win the grand prize of £10,000. Four runners up will also receive 6 months free coaching from NatWest’s Accelerator Team. To enter NatWest’s #GEW10K challenge, visit here.
