Joining forces to help entrepreneurs start, grow and connect

Leicester consistently ranks highly as one of the best places in the UK to start a business, boasting higher than average business survival rates, excellent geographical connectivity, access to talent and low cost of living (Barclays’ SME Growth Factors Index and ATT place Leicester 2nd and 3rd nationally). In 2018 Tech Nation identified Leicester as having the biggest increase in new digital technology firms in the last decade, and Start-up Britain placed Leicester 2nd in the UK for start-up growth.

The city and the region are brimming with entrepreneurial talent, and to continue to realise this considerable potential local organisations and entrepreneurial communities are collaborating to make it easier for early stage start-ups, social innovators and entrepreneurs to find and connect with the help they need.

Leicester Start-up Coworking Project

Through the Leicester Start-up Coworking Project, partners from across the region have joined forces to harness and build on Leicester and Leicestershire’s strengths, to create a more connected and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and to make the region first choice for start-ups in the UK.

The Project was initiated by University of Leicester, De Montfort University, LCB Depot (part of Leicester City Council), Leicester Startups network and the Cooperative and Social Development Agency (CASE). It is part funded by £100,000 of pooled business rates project revenue fund, from the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and with equivalent support from the partner organisations.

The initiative aims to nurture early stage businesses and social innovations through targeted events and activities to further develop the reach and impact of the city’s already thriving networks.

Our Partners
Predictiva

An alum of the very first Leicester Startups Accelerator, Predictiva aims to make advanced AI available to everyone. The startup builds Artificial Intelligence models for financial analysis and autonomous trading.

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British Business Bank

The British Business Bank are a government-owned business development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses. Whether you’re looking for finance to start a business, grow to the next level, or stay ahead of the competition, they’re delivering greater volume and choice of finance.  

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Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity was founded in 1542 and today provides loans for new startup ideas and those needing investment.

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Commercial Lodge No. 1391

Commercial Lodge No.1391 are a masonic lodge that has thrived for 150 years. They give company directors and business owners a unique environment in which to practice their masonry.

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Naked Accounting

Naked Accounting is a Cloud-based accounting & advisory firm – Xero Certified Chartered Accountants – with offices in the West End of Leicester.

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LLEP Business Gateway / Growth Hub

A government funded business support service, which is able to provide direct business coaching, workshops and signposting to other means of help.

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Leicester City Council – LCB Depot

LCB Depot offers workspaces, studios and meeting rooms for creatives, artists and designer-makers. They host a variety of networking events and leads on city-wide creative initiatives and campaigns.

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University of Leicester Services for Business

The LIH works closely with industry and start-ups to accelerate innovation by turning great research and business ideas into innovative products and services through free or subsidised support.

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Our Supporters