Launch22, the business incubator and charity helping to accelerate next-generation entrepreneurs and their start-up businesses, today launched their first scholarship programme.

Launch22 combine co-working space, on-demand mentoring and signposting to finance with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship amongst people from all walks of life across Merseyside. Today, November 16th, to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week, Launch22 are launching a scholarship programme, which they hope will help aspiring entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds progress.

Scholars receive full access to all facilities at their building on Tithebarn Street, as well as an allocated mentor to assist their development for three months. The organisation reserves 30% of its membership capacity for scholars and is encouraging individuals to apply to programme and fulfil their business ambitions in a supportive and collaborative environment.

To mark the launch of the scholarship programme, Launch22 are hosting an evening event set to bring together organisations, supporters, press, potential scholars, current members, and mentors to help build their start-up community. The event will inform its attendees of how the programme will work including details on how to apply. The evening will start at 6pm at Launch22, based at the recently refurbished Tempest building on Tithebarn Street in the heart of the business district.

Commenting on the launch, Matthew Kennedy, general manager at Launch22 Liverpool said:

“A key reason why we exist is to assist those from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with every opportunity to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations. Merseytravel and Merseyside Youth Association have already pledged their support to our future scholars – we’re extremely thankful for this and we hope other organisations follow in their footsteps.

“We’re inspired by the people who come and work here. Those who have an idea to make the world, however slightly, a better place; and are actually putting it into practice. It’s our job to ensure everybody has this opportunity and we look to break down the barriers that may stop them from succeeding.”

Launch22 is a unique partnership between Launchpad Labs and Catch22, a social business with a 200-year-old social mission. Launch22 brings together a shared commitment to improving outcomes for less advantaged and under-represented entrepreneurs of the future in an inclusive way.

It is a social business run on start-up principles. Their vision is to inspire as many entrepreneurs as possible by creating supportive business spaces across the UK. Much more than a shared workspace, Launch22 provides space for collaboration and mentoring for early stage entrepreneurs, including those from less advantaged backgrounds.

Applicants can apply online via www.launch22.co.uk/scholarships

More information can be found at liverpool@launch22.co.uk or call 0151 515 9322 for more information. Twitter @Launch22LIV