Pioneering partnership programme supports fledgling UK start-ups
Emma Jones CBE
New initiative aiming to support 1,000,000 new businesses could boost the UK economy.
Monzo Business, the UK’s leading digital bank has joined forces with business support platform Enterprise Nation to support the launch of new UK businesses, as part of exciting new initiative StartUp UK.
The partnership programme will give early-stage support to more than 300,000 startups through a range of resources, workshops and in-person events, in an effort to give the next generation of entrepreneurs the best start in a challenging economy.
New research by Enterprise Nation discovered that a third of UK adults are thinking of starting a business in 2023 in a bid to boost their income. This figure rises to 48% among those aged between 18 and 24. Almost third of those surveyed said they were starting a business to “follow their dreams”, with another third saying it was to supplement existing work.
Emma Jones, CBE, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation, said: "There is clearly a huge appetite to start a business in the UK. While not everyone is an entrepreneur, many people now see starting up as an accessible way to supplement or take control of their income at a time of higher pressures on personal and family budgets.
"Recessions are well known for motivating people to start-up, but while that’s usually down to unemployment. This time many are planning to start a side-hustle while holding down a full or part-time job.”
Jordan Shwide, Head of Monzo Business, added: “Startups and small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and are at heart of the nation's innovation and growth. We know it’s tough out there for small businesses right now, so we’re really excited to be partnering with Enterprise Nation.”
By the end of 2024, the StartUp UK programme plans to reach a million pre-start and start-up businesses with targeted support, including:
Events and workshops: Practical in-person StartUp Saturday events and mid-week Lunch and Learn sessions providing insight and inspiration to help people turn their business idea into a reality.
Bitesize e-learning courses: A free e-learning programme to help wannabe entrepreneurs learn all the essentials of starting up a business. The courses will cover everything from coming up with an idea, to marketing on a budget, to acquiring the first customers.
Sharing stories: Sharing inspirational and informative stories about people who have found success by pursuing their entrepreneurial dream and how they’ve used practical resources to support their dreams.
Members of the community can also access downloadable guides with tips and advice on starting and growing a brand.
Emma Jones said, “A healthy supply of pre-start and start-up businesses will play an increasingly important role as the UK tackles macroeconomic challenges – so we must ensure these fledgling businesses get the best start possible. Learning best practice from the get-go helps entrepreneurs set clear objectives and expectations early on, so they can build a plan for real growth.”