NatWest and the University of Warwick are growing their relationship to offer students and budding entrepreneurs support, coaching, and the chance to win £10,000 during Global Entrepreneurship Week, which runs from 16 – 22 November 2020.

The bank runs the largest Entrepreneur Accelerator programme in the UK, having supported 30,000 businesses since launch, through its network of 12 physical accelerator hubs and its virtual coaching and education platform Business Builder. Through its innovation alliance with University of Warwick, NatWest is helping to provide education, guidance and coaching to student cohorts and members of the wider innovation and entrepreneur community in Warwick.

In the run up to Global Entrepreneurship Week, the bank will run several virtual pitching workshops for students and entrepreneurs from the University to enter a competition to win £10,000, and a place on the bank’s accelerator programme.

Participants will be shown how to structure, write and deliver a killer 60-second pitch, helping them stand out from the crowd by sharing themselves or their business idea in a concise, compelling and creative way.

Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship, NatWest said:

“As the UK’s leading bank for start-ups we’re thrilled to be broadening our partnership with the University of Warwick to help the next generation of entrepreneurs learn about entrepreneurship, starting a business, and perfect their pitch. A compelling pitch is one of the most important tools for any entrepreneur. Whether it’s to secure new business, attract investment or simply just to get noticed, pitching is an important discipline worth honing and a crucial stepping stone to success. We wish everyone taking part the best of luck.

David Plumb, Chief Innovation Officer, University of Warwick said:

“Today’s unprecedented uncertainty requires fresh thinking to create new possibilities. These entrepreneurial skills will be required across all aspects of society, business and government, as we urgently need to rebuild in a sustainable way. We are delighted therefore to be agreeing this Innovation Alliance with NatWest. We share their ambition to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and look forward to growing our impact together.”

Businesses can get involved by signing up to a pitching event HERE, and submitting their final pitch via YouTube by 30 November 2020. A panel will then select finalists from around the country, who will be invited to pitch at the live Grand Final Event in early 2021 for a chance to win the grand prize of £10,000. Four runners up will also receive 6 months free coaching from NatWest’s Accelerator Team.

To enter NatWest’s #GEW10K challenge, visit here

For NatWest
For more information please contact Mike Johnston at NatWest press office, mike.johnston@rbs.co.uk, 07584 403860

For the University of Warwick

For more information please contact Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Media Relations,
University of Warwick, 07767 655860 Email p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

About NatWest Group

We champion potential and help people, families and businesses to thrive. By staying safe, simple and smart, we help our customers succeed in the UK and beyond. We’re strong. We’re focused on working together. We deliver on promises.

NatWest serves customers in England and Wales, supporting them with their personal, private, and business banking needs. NatWest helps customers at all stages in their lives, from opening student accounts, to buying their first home, setting up a business, and saving for retirement.

Alongside a wide range of banking services, NatWest offers businesses specialist sector knowledge in areas such as manufacturing and technology, as well as access to specialist entrepreneurial support.

NatWest has been the principal sponsor of England cricket since 2017.