Harrogate, Spring 2022

We ran a 7 week StriveLive virtual start-up incubator programme for Harrogate residents, guiding 15 businesses through a series of workshops, advice sessions and start-up challenges. They competed to impress business experts at the project finale to win £2,500 in prizes at the end of the seven-week project. Four business experts were invited to judge and award prizes in 5 categories.

Karen Allen, from Kidzplay Play Box picked up two awards winning Most Customer Orientated and Best Business Concept. With years of experience running preschool sessions in play centres, Karen co-founded Kidzplay Play Box during lockdown, with play centre owner Lisa Mee. They put their creativity into an activity box for children. Hanna Dilley, founder of Benji’s Bites Toddler Food, really impressed the panel of judges, picking up commendations in Most Customer Orientated, Best Branding, and winning Best Marketing. Oliver Brown’s business, Wrapd Studios, was awarded Best Branding by the dragons. Claire Parish, from Four Legs Pet Care, and Graham Dodds from GMD Home Improvements both picked up Strive Start-Up awards.

OUR IMPACT

START-UP KAREN SAID
“Strive popped up on my social media at a point when I was searching for support with the business. I was looking to get to know other entrepreneurs in the local area, looking to increase my knowledge and understand how I could move the business forward. Strive gave me the confidence to move forward, the understanding to face the challenges, and the connections within the local area to continue the support after the course finished. Strive for me allowed me to step up, to move on…with the supportive team and experienced entrepreneurs with years of experience, knowledge and stories.”

Start-Ups & Employment

*Expected figures based on feedback & reviews by our experts in enterprise.