In the Summer of 2022, business startup experts Outset launched The Foundry to support early-stage, growth-driven businesses through education, mentorship, and exposure to a network of contacts. The Foundry III will be starting in April 2023, so make sure you apply now to be a part of the next cohort.
The three-month programme nurtures a 20 strong group of entrepreneurs to be self-sufficient business owners destined for growth. The programme schedule is varied, covering the fundamentals of business growth with sessions delivered by industry experts and from partners techSPARK, Thrings, Monahans, Metro Bank, Highlight People, and the FSB.
“We joined The Foundry to help accelerate our growth and move forward with confidence. We’ve learned so much and have gone from concept to launch to trading”
The first cohort of The Foundry ran from September – December 2022 coaching a diverse group of industries from full life cycle hiring and SaaS platforms to equine therapy and marketing agencies. During their time at The Foundry, the group saw immense growth both personally and, in their business, with 75% of the group doubling (or more) their monthly turnover.
“We joined The Foundry to help accelerate our growth and move forward with confidence. We’ve learned so much from The Foundry and have gone from concept to launch to trading,” says Robert Hobbs, Four Friends Drinks.
Aurelie Soulier of digital education firm edtechuman said she initially came to The Foundry because of the space and help it offered, but soon discovered there was even more to it. She explains, “It is the connection with other businesses, the opportunities to think about my business in different ways.”
During their time at The Foundry the power of the group network shone through, with many participants choosing to lend their expertise to their colleagues. Lewis Grey of Clera Coms tells us, “I didn’t have any connections locally when I started my business, so to come to a place where there were other businesses starting in Swindon and get support and the excellent help, I’ve had has been completely invaluable to me.”
Fellow entrepreneur Louise Smith, whose digital marketing business is The Social Smith, said people tended to get more from The Foundry than they anticipated, especially the chance to make connections and share experiences.
Applications are now open for Foundry III, starting in April 2023. There is an opportunity for business owners to join the three-month programme and anyone interested can apply by completing an application form.
