1. NatWest Accelerator Programme
It was divinely orchestrated. As Chair of Eagle BizNet UK CIC someone sent me the e-flyer for the March 2024 Cohort of NatWest Accelerator Programme. I had not heard about it before. I shared it in our WhatsApp group. Until the closing date, no member of the group had applied. I thought it was a good introduction to entrepreneurship. I decided to apply only because no one from our group had applied. It was indeed a good decision. I was selected after the interview. The rest as they say is (nearly) history. Thanks, Amirah and to everyone who contributed to our training and what an excellent cohort at different stages of business, many of us, now friends.
My business idea for the NatWest pitch was Naija Event Centre – where North meets South! The vision is for an appointed time
2. Barclays Eagle Labs Programme
I literally jumped on the Barclays Programme which started as the NatWest Programme was ending. It was a reminder of the power of networking and showing up. While on the NatWest programme, I got to hear about Climb24 and there were free tickets for start-ups. While working around the event exhibitors, I registered at the Barclays Eagle Labs stand. The gentleman politely informed me that an Events Centre idea did not fit with their programme which was for developers. Somehow, I got in. The Online sessions were fast-paced and the topics were a bit above my head but I had the privilege of having two coaching sessions with Julia Elliott Brown and Natalia Loza.and further understanding of bringing an idea to life. Some members of the cohort were quite helpful.
What I found most endearing was that I contacted the Coordinator of the Black Founders group so I could join them. After listening to my life journey and my recent foray into the world of innovation and business, Kester Matthew said my story was inspirational and on 16th October 2024, I was in Barclays Mayfair 51 Berkeley Street, W1J 8NL as guest panellist at the fireside chats – Rise and Thrive: Investor insights for Black Founders
3. Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme (IEP)
The nine-month IEP commenced on 26th September 2024 and we were the 3rd Cohort. There were five Founders Hubs:
⦁ Bradford Impact Hub
⦁ Leeds Beckett, Knowledge Exchange
⦁ Nexus, University of Leeds
⦁ 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, Huddersfield
⦁ 2Work @ Tileyard North, Wakefield
It was a full-on programme, coordinated by Rebecca Padgett of University of Leeds – didactic lectures, group discussions, coaching sessions and peer-to-peer groups with facilitators. Other experts were either brought in or with went to their offices for some sessions.
On Thursday 12th December 2024, the Week 12 Demo Day and Next Steps session was held at Nexus. I had to leave a video recording because I had to travel home to Nigeria.
My coach was (and is still) Ralph D’Attorre, ever helpful, encouraging, pushing me gently to get things done (m hands and feet are full!!) Is there a closed door in front of me, he’ll find a way to help me open it, I entered the IEP with Port Harcourt iHealth, a TeleMed service but made a decision along the way that this disruptive innovation was too broad t fit into the IEP so I focused on aspect DiaHype.
4. The Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge to reduce Health Inequality
I received the advert for the “Tackling Health Inequalities: the Mayor’s
Big Ideas Challenge” and it immediately resonated with me. I developed keen interest in the Social Determinants of Health during my Health Promotion Masters at then Leeds Metropolitan University.
My daughter, Tobi and I put in a joint application for the Mayor’s Challenge. We were among the 19 finalists. 22nd July 2025, we were at NEXUS for the on-boarding and the last six months have been hectic. 14 January was the deadline for submission of our innovation. Fingers crossed.
5. Propel Programme
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, my interest was people and non-medical communities. I felt I had interacted very well with the non-medical community and I was now prepared to learn about the intricacies of doing business with the NHS. It was again providential that Propel was doing just that, recruiting a new cohort of innovators. I think this is my final official bus stop of structured learning (may be). In the last 21 months, I cut back work by two sessions so I could dedicate this time to entrepreneurial learning of a different type. However, the lack of flexibility of my time means it is impossible for me to attend teaching sessions on the days I have clinics. That is one river to cross. Already, I see the big benefits of the Propel Programme and HealthQuest!
