Apply for a Breakthrough Bursary to accelerate your tech business

Are you a BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) founder with an existing tech business with customers and a team? We can fast track your growth and help you retain your existing company culture.

Or, are you a first-time entrepreneur from a BAME background? We can help you answer the difficult questions and avoid common mistakes while you ready your product for market.

The SETsquared Bristol incubator, part of the Global No. 1 SETsquared Partnership, is committed to helping innovative technology companies grow with support that is tailored to the needs of each unique business.

Bristol is the most productive tech sector in the UK, which is why we want to support BAME led tech companies to be part of the movement. We are offering three bursaries covering 75% of Residential Start-up Membership (normally £210 incl. VAT) available for up to one year.

In 2018 SETsquared increased each of our businesses in value by, on average, over £150k, which they linked directly to receiving our business support. We’re proud of being based in Bristol, a richly diverse city and we want our incubator to be representative of this.

Silas Adekunle, CEO of Reach Robotics

"SETsquared were integral to the start of Reach Robotics. Start-ups aren't born in isolation - incubators provide the support, connections and guidance that are absolutely invaluable to getting a tech business off the ground. SETsquared also opened the door to a fantastic community of businesses that we are proud to be part of."

Jaya Chakrabarty MBE, CEO of TISC report.org

"As a social enterprise the biggest value for me was the business review panel. Interrogating our business case and enabling me to refine my pitch has helped me up my game to the next level. Thank you SETsquared!"

Azir Razzak, Founder of A2Z Technologies

“Being in and around other people going through the same journey is one of the many benefits of SETsquared membership. When based in the shared office, I really enjoyed the shared problem solving, its one aspect of my job that I really love and was able to do that for others.”

What you get:

Strategic advice and coaching from our experienced Entrepreneurs-in-Residence

Mentoring from experienced business leaders and SETsquared Alumni

Support with raising investment and finance

Access to SETsquared events including a full programme of educational workshops

Advisor-in-Residence clinics with professional service firms, including Lawyer and Accountant

A fixed desk at Engine Shed, based near Temple Meads station

Business Review Panel with external experts

Bespoke business support

Marketing and PR including representation on our website, newsletters and social media

What we're looking for:

Are you a tech entrepreneur from a BAME background?

Are you developing an original idea for a technology business?

Are you an incorporated business?

Do you have the ambition for business growth and financial success?

Can you commit at a minimum of 2 days a week to developing the business?

Are you open and receptive to support and advice?

To apply fill in our online application form.

In the "How did you hear about us?" section, please write "Breakthrough Bursary".

Deadline for applications: 6 May 2019 at 6 pm

The bursary allocation will be decided by the end of May 2019. If you meet the criteria you will be contacted within a week and invited for an interview. If you don't meet the criteria, you will be contacted with feedback.