16 local entrepreneurs have successfully completed the inaugural Watford Springboard Programme – a six-month initiative designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage businesses in the town...
Launched by Watford Borough Council in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, the initiative was funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund
Participants benefited from a powerful mix of expert-led training, one-to-one mentoring, peer networking, and seed funding – all tailored to help them take their businesses to the next stage.
Designed to equip entrepreneurs with the critical skills and tools needed to build and scale their ventures, the Springboard Programme delivered:
- Targeted skills development across topics such as entrepreneurial mindset, design thinking, pricing strategy, financial literacy, digital marketing, and investment readiness.
- Peer-to-peer networking sessions, offering structured opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and shared learning.
- Personalised 1:1 mentoring delivered by experienced business experts.
- A £1,500 seed funding grant awarded to each business, enabling growth through web development, marketing, training, and the acquisition of essential business assets.
The six-month journey culminated in a showcase and celebration event, where participants pitched their businesses and heard from local business champion and Watford Borough Councillor, Clara Ansong, who shared her entrepreneurial journey and offered words of encouragement.
Cllr Clara Ansong, said: “The Watford Springboard Programme builds on the success of previous local initiatives such as Watford Young Entrepreneurs, reinforcing Watford Borough Council’s commitment to nurturing business talent and supporting long-term economic growth in the borough.
“As someone who lives and works in Watford, I can confidently say that the town offers great support faor business owners. The council genuinely cares about helping local businesses thrive. They are committed to fostering growth, encouraging us to stay rooted in the community and supporting local employment.”
Lauren Dovey, Economic Development Officer for Watford Borough Council, said: “We are proud to support the ambitions of our local entrepreneurs. The Watford Springboard Programme has been an outstanding example of what’s possible when expertise, funding, and community spirit come together. We look forward to seeing these businesses continue to thrive.”
For more information on ongoing business support in Watford, contact the Economic Development Team at: economicdevelopment@watford.gov.uk
The 16 participating companies represented a dynamic mix of industries and innovation:
- Ishias Brownies
- Yamata Advisory Ltd.
- Escobar Events Ltd.
- Maryam PATEL
- Olawill Limited
- Manvarco Ltd t/a Young Mindfulness Digital
- Azam Khan Foundation
- Lead Lynx
- Cassio Physiotherapy
- Majestic Gentlemen Ltd
- Wake Berry Skin
- Jikoworld Ltd
- Alvin Lee Ryan Music Education
- NxSteps Group Ltd
- DG Brokerage Ltd
- Carerr Ltd.
