From January 2024 the participating companies will be able to outline requests for dedicated support from teams of MBA students currently studying at Sheffield Business School to help them address challenges they are facing and unlock their growth potential.
The main areas of focus the student teams will address are:
- Marketing including digital and social media
- Business strategy and transformation
- Human resources
- Finance
- Marketing research
This development strengthens the programme's already substantial package of support across funded R&D; investment readiness; mentoring; workshops; and grant application support, with several companies providing access to key products and services this year such as Amazon Web Services and SeedLegals.
Now in its third year, the Accelerator has supported 40 SMEs to date and provides dedicated innovation, investment, growth and R&D support for high-potential startups and scaleups across advanced health and wellbeing.
The programme, which is match-funded by Sheffield Hallam University and Barclays Eagle Labs via the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology-funded Digital Growth Grant, is delivered through the University’s world-leading Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
Jason Brannan, Deputy Director, Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre said: “The AWRC seeks to create equitable value between itself and businesses to ensure long term opportunity for both parties. This collaboration with the University’s business school is a great example of that, it will allow the students to showcase their expertise and help our next cohort of companies to overcome the challenges they face in growing an early-stage business.”
Professor Conor Moss, Dean of Sheffield Business School said: “Sheffield Business School is in the top five per cent of business schools worldwide with excellent MBA students and alumni. The chance to provide our students the opportunity to work with UK & International startups across advanced health and wellbeing is an exciting addition to this excellent programme. We hope to see students joining the startups formally, as the responsibility and range of experience to be gained from working for a startup is unrivalled.”
Matt Corbidge, Barclays Eagle Labs Director said: “It’s great to hear that through Barclays Eagle Labs support, via the Ecosystem Partnership Programme, Sheffield Hallam is continuing its work in both supporting local start-ups and providing its MBA students with opportunities to progress in the advanced health and wellbeing sector. This support is an example of our continuing ambition to help small businesses and talent in local communities throughout the UK.”
The advanced wellbeing accelerator is open for applications until November 30, those interested in applying should visit the dedicated web pages here: https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/accelerator
