founderuplift
Helping early-stage women and underrepresented founders in Cornwall turn ideas into action with confidence, clarity, and community
founderUPLIFT is a fully-funded, hybrid training programme designed for women and people of underrepresented genders in the earliest stages of their business. Whether you have a seed of an idea or are just beginning to explore entrepreneurship, founderUPLIFT offers the support, tools, and confidence needed to take that first step.
With support from CreaTech Cornwall, the programme provides a unique opportunity to connect with a vibrant local network while gaining practical, real-world skills. The curriculum is needs-led and shaped by participant input, ensuring every session is relevant and empowering. From refining business ideas to developing foundational knowledge, founderUPLIFT equips you with what you need to turn an idea into action.
The programme is delivered through a flexible, hybrid model that fits around your life. Sessions are bite-sized and accessible, with any in-person workshops held in venues reachable by public transport and designed with inclusivity at their core. This is a space built for encouragement (not perfection) where curiosity is welcomed, and growth is supported by an active community of mentors, role models, and alumni.
What sets founderUPLIFT apart is its intentional focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for female founders who have previously been left out of the conversation. With user-centred design, practical guidance, and a cohort of peers who understand your journey, it offers more than training, it offers a place to belong and make new friends.
founderUPLIFT, part of CreaTech Cornwall
CreaTech Cornwall is a dynamic new initiative designed to support the next wave of creative digital innovators in Cornwall. Backed by a powerhouse partnership – Real Ideas, Creative UK, Screen Cornwall, Tech Cornwall, and TecWomen – the programme delivers targeted incubation for early-stage individuals and start-ups working at the cutting edge of creativity and technology.
By uniting expertise from across Cornwall’s creative and tech sectors, CreaTech Cornwall is creating a supportive, inclusive environment where early-stage talent can flourish. The programme goes beyond one-size-fits-all business support—it offers a tailored pathway designed to meet the real-world needs of emerging creatives, helping them navigate the challenges of starting out and find their footing in a competitive landscape.
Applications are now closed, but keep an eye out for updates on how the CreaTech Cornwall cohort get on and future opportunities!
About the CreaTech Cornwall partners
CreaTech Cornwall is built by a unique partnership, each bringing unique expertise to support and grow Cornwall’s creative tech ecosystem
Real Ideas is at the heart of Cornwall’s immersive and creative tech community, providing mentoring, powerful networks, access to cutting-edge facilities, and intensive incubation support to help early-stage ventures thrive.
Creative UK As a national leader in the UK’s creative industries, Creative UK brings a wealth of experience, offering access to their national mentor bank, expert insights, industry networks, marketing support, and opportunities to participate in high-profile events like the Creative UK Summit.
Screen Cornwall Dedicated to the sustainable growth of the screen sector across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Screen Cornwall offers tailored mentoring, specialist networks for screen-based start-ups, and the chance to showcase at Imagination Unleashed 2026.
TecWomen CIC is tackling the underrepresentation of women in tech through their UPLIFT programme. They provide targeted incubation, mentorship, and supportive networks to empower female founders in creative technology.
Tech Cornwall is building a vibrant, collaborative tech community in the region. They deliver expert mentoring and support to help early-stage businesses prepare to pitch and connect at major events like Slush’d Cornwall.
Hertzian & Newquay Orchard will offer spot purchased specialist support, including bespoke AI expertise and access to digital fabrication tools, enabling participants to explore innovation through technology and sustainable design.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared
Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK
Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth
Programme.
