Power Her Up

Designed to provide a strong foundation of success for women entrepreneurs.

A group of women waving with the text 'Power Her Up'.

The Power Her Up entrepreneurial programme is designed to equip women entrepreneurs with a strong foundation for success by transforming high-growth potential ideas into impactful ventures. 

Running from January to April, the programme features a series of interactive workshops, along with one-to-one business advice, peer support and tailored guidance from our team of experts. You'll also gain access to a wealth of resources, feedback from fellow women entrepreneurs and networking opportunities with others on a similar path. 

Whether you're just about to launch your business or you're in the early days of getting it off the ground, Power Her Up is here to give you the tools, confidence and community you need from day one - whether that's for a new venture or a potential spinout. 

We welcome all those who identify as women, including trans-women, intersex and non-binary individuals. 

Programme details

All sessions are delivered in-person and it is expected that you attend all sessions within the programme, however, we understand that life happens, so while we encourage participants to join all sessions, don’t worry if you can’t make it to one – our team will catch you up.

The programme will run: Wednesday 14th January – 1st April 

  • Establishing your personal business foundations - 14th January
  • Design thinking - 21st January
  • Legal essentials for starting up - 28th January
  • Intellectual Property (IP) - 30th January
  • Value proposition - 4th February
  • Share it with the world: marketing essentials - 11th February
  • Money smart - 25th February
  • Pitch perfect - 4th March
  • From pitch to profit: sales fundamentals: 11th March
  • Elevate your network - 18th March
  • The Power Her Up showcase - 1st April 

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive:

  • A digital badge to showcase your learning and achievements
  • The opportunity to win a cash prize
  • A chance to pitch and showcase your solution to the wider ecosystem at our Pathways event in April 

Deadline: Monday 5th January 2026 

 

Who is this programme for?

The programme is tailored for individuals working on high-growth potential ideas, with a strong encouragement for applications from STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) sectors. 

Who can apply: current students, recent graduates and staff members from the University of Edinburgh.

What we're looking for applicants who:

  • Have completed market research and some level of customer validation
  • Be ready to submit a Lean Business Canvas
  • Provide a 1-minute pitch video as part of your application 

We're looking for applicants who are ready to take the next step - this isn't for raw or underdeveloped ideas. Whether you're about to launch your business or you're in the early stages of getting it off the ground, this programme is designed for you. 

Should you win funding as part of this programme, a UK bank account is preferred for all payments. Requests to use non-UK bank accounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to additional checks or processing time.

Limited spaces available - apply by Monday 5th January 2026

 

This talk might have been one of the best things I have ever been to at the University and I’ve been here for 3 years! It was so, so informative and inspiring.

 

The programme has helped me to develop my self-confidence and start overcoming my fear of failure and my other limiting beliefs

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