Member Article

Transform SY – a programme to develop entrepreneurial leaders in South Yorkshire is starting this week

The programme, which is to be delivered by Entrepreneurial Spark - a global accelerator with a decade of experience in the sector, started on January 10th with its first cohort of South Yorkshire-based entrepreneurs.

After 6 weeks of interviewing tech businesses from Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Barnsley and taking them through a rigorous selection process, the team behind Transform selected 18 entrepreneurs to join the first cohort of the programme that will run from January 10th to the middle of June 2022. The businesses range in terms of industry and size and therefore will be split into 5 ‘sprint’ groups so they can navigate the next 6 months together.

’This is a very important week because we are starting a journey that can be transformational for our region. We recognized the immense potential that South

Yorkshire carries as a tech and entrepreneurial hub and believe that by bringing the experience and expertise of the Entrepreneurial Spark team, we can have a real impact on the business ecosystem in the region. Our goal is to create the next entrepreneurial leaders in South Yorkshire, and I am confident that any of the 18 founders that is joining us on the first cohort can and will become one’, said Denislav Ivanov, Marketing & Community Manager for Transform SY.

Transform SY forms part of the ambitious TEAM SY project – a joint initiative between Capital Enterprise (a non-profit organisation striving to make the UK the best place to start a business) and Barnsley Council. Transform SY is also supported by UKSE and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

The programme, which will run throughout 2022 and aims to support 60 businesses, will be delivered by Entrepreneurial Spark, one of the first accelerators established in the United Kingdom back in 2012.

Founders will be immersed in an intensive 6-month experience, using techniques honed from 40,000 hours of deep interaction with entrepreneurs globally. The accelerator is free of charge and no equity will be taken, to remove any financial barriers to participation. Participants will improve their ability and performance based on 4 outcomes:

● Mindset – Developing the way they think to create ambitious leaders ● Business – Creating a sustainable growth engine ● Funding – Exploring opportunities within, but also beyond private investment ● Community – Nurturing a network that transcends geography and is formative for future success and collaboration

Dr. Ceri Batchelder, Super Connector for Team SY, said the following about Transform SY’s start: ‘Having seen the Transform SY programme develop, I can’t wait to meet the 18 entrepreneurs who have successfully applied and will join this week. Through the experience of the Entrepreneurial Spark team and the mentors, the entrepreneurs will be guided on accelerated growth journeys to take their businesses to the next level. Transform SY brings an important new dimension to tech business support in South Yorkshire and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact.’

And Steve Lyon, regional executive for UKSE, added: ’We are delighted that entrepreneurs across South Yorkshire have taken advantage of the accelerator scheme, Transform SY will further cement the region as the place to be for tech enabled businesses spanning a whole range of sectors.

We are proud at UKSE to be supporting the project and we are thrilled to see 18 entrepreneurs begin the 6-month programme, we can’t wait to see their progression.

Businesses have an increased optimism for 2022, as they look for avenues to facilitate their growth or kickstart operations – Transform SY is set to be a key player in this.’

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Isabella Storey .