Mission Statement

Summers Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy-Marketing and Branding-idea generation and validation
Creating Inclusive Spaces

Our mission is to provide comprehensive support that acknowledges and addresses the complexities of entrepreneurship. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of our community, especially migrant entrepreneurship, as well as those who navigate multiple dimensions of identity such as race, gender, people with disabilities, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and more.

Our approach aims to facilitate sustainable growth for businesses by fostering person-to-person knowledge exchange, facilitating connections to funding and resources, nurturing local ecosystems, and cultivating global communities that foster and support entrepreneurial activity.
Creating Sustainable Ecosystems

We are an independent nonprofit foundation that aims to empower entrepreneurs in starting and expanding their businesses and ecosystems. Acting as the entry point and stage for engaging in the entrepreneurial community, we enable networking, boost exposure for underrepresented startup groups, such as migrant entrepreneurships and drive company innovation. Our goal is to support entrepreneurship, entice funding, develop skills, and empower the community to flourish.

Summers Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy- Business Planning and Strategy
annie-spratt-resources-entrecom
Creating Strong Enterprises

In today’s fast-changing and competitive world, entrepreneurs need capacity-building, education and training to develop the skills necessary to perform and build the business. The Academy is working closely with Start-ups/SMEs and other stakeholders such as corporates, family offices, governments and academic Institutions – to increase their ability to contribute to a strong entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Creating Global Partnerships

We collaborate with partner organizations around the world that share our vision for the sustainable development of the global entrepreneurship ecosystem. Together, we create projects tailored to the local needs of startups and small business enterprises.

Creating-Global-Partnerdhips

Our Vision

1. Empowering Entrepreneurial Mindsets

Our vision is to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We aim to instill confidence, creativity, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. By fostering an environment that encourages risk-taking, innovation, and continuous learning, we empower aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges and pursue opportunities with confidence.

Coaching/Mentorship

2. Fostering Inclusive Innovation

We envision an Entrepreneurship Academy that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, where everyone has equal access to resources, opportunities, and support. Our goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment that embraces diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas. By fostering collaboration and cooperation across boundaries of race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, we aim to unleash the full potential of every individual and drive collective innovation and prosperity.

3. Catalyzing Social Impact

Typical charitable and business-driven solutions frequently do not fully meet the needs of today’s urgent social and environmental problems. When markets are solely concentrated on financial gains, they can neglect marginalized communities such as migrant communities and harm the environment. In the last ten years, entrepreneurship and a modern approach to investing, which take into account social and environmental objectives alongside financial ones, have led to new developments that can promote a more equitable and enduring economic expansion. Creating thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems can be challenging, but entrepreneurs require increased availability of funding, guidance, skills, and connections to thrive.

What is entrepreneurship?

The Academy is here to work with you at every step of the entrepreneurial journey…to support you to begin, grow & manage your business…maybe not to the size of Airbnb, but who knows…the video proves all things are possible…

Training and Development

Four women talking

All our training is based on EntreCom competences for what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur and build the right entrepreneurship mindset.

The European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreCom) describes Entrepreneurship as the capacity to act upon opportunities and ideas, and to transform them into value for others.

Values Created

Financial

Cultural

Social

Providing you exactly with what your business needs in the present moment

BESPOKE TRAINING

Bespoke training means we are here to provide whatever training & development you currently need. We will cater to your specific requirements.

Just complete the form below.

We also provide Set Training Programs, already prepared for you.

Entrepreneurial skills are essential for starting a business, building a successful career, or launching projects. The Academy offers training in these skills, applicable across various areas of business and life.

This program is the flagship offering of the Academy. Entrepreneurs who are ready to officially start their businesses in the community will undergo a 12-week program. Entrepreneurs across all industries gain knowledge about the intricacies and tactics of running a business from our skilled team. Participants learn how to efficiently focus their efforts and create a business plan and budget by using the Business Model Canvas and lean start-up strategies.

Key Benefits for Startups and SME’s

01

Direct Financial Support:

Connect with corporates, family offices and Investors.

02

Enhanced Visibility:

Boost your startup’s visibility among key stakeholders.

03

Growth & Internationalization:

Growth-oriented mentoring and training for Startups and SME’s to expand their impact internationally.

 

04

Expert Mentorship:

Benefit from knowledge sessions and mentorship by industry experts. 

05

Advocacy Representation:

Have a voice in discussions with regulators and policymakers.

06

Showcasing Opportunities:

Exhibit your startup at various National and International Exhibitions

Training and Development

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Entrepreneurial Skills Training Program

Each session will take you through the key concepts, step by step, sharing a wide range of insights, frameworks & strategies.

Entrepreneurial Skills Training Program
Summer Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy

1. Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Understanding the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, its importance, and its role in modern business and society.

2. Idea Generation and Validation

Techniques for generating innovative business ideas and validating their feasibility in the market.

3. Business Planning and Strategy

Developing a comprehensive business plan and strategic roadmap to guide the startup or growth of a business.

4. Marketing and Branding

Strategies for effectively marketing products or services, building a strong brand identity, and reaching target audiences.

5. Financial Management

Basics of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial decision-making.

6. Sales and Negotiation Skills

Developing effective sales techniques, negotiation strategies, and relationship-building skills to drive business growth.

7. Leadership and Team Management

Essential leadership skills for motivating teams, fostering collaboration, and achieving organizational goals.

8. Networking and Relationship Building

Building professional networks, establishing valuable connections, and leveraging relationships for business success.

Social and Environmental Responsibility
Summer Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy

9. Innovation and Creativity

Cultivating a culture of innovation, fostering creativity, and embracing change to stay competitive in the marketplace.

10. Problem-Solving and Decision Making

Techniques for identifying problems, analyzing situations, and making informed decisions to overcome challenges.

11. Time Management and Productivity

Strategies for prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and maximizing productivity in both personal and professional life.

12. Resilience and Adaptability

Building resilience, coping with failure, and adapting to changing circumstances to thrive in the entrepreneurial journey.

13. Digital Skills and Technology

Harnessing digital tools and technology for business growth, including website development, social media marketing, and e-commerce.

14. Legal and Compliance

Understanding legal requirements, regulations, and compliance obligations relevant to starting and running a business.

15. Ethical Entrepreneurship

Exploring ethical considerations in business practices, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Summer Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy
Learn Through Experience

New entrepreneurs often shy away from acknowledging failure and tend to brush it aside quickly, hoping to move on. In contrast, seasoned entrepreneurs embrace setbacks as valuable learning experiences. Every entrepreneur encounters numerous mistakes; it’s an inherent part of the entrepreneurial journey. Failing to glean insights from these mistakes squanders time and effort.

Moreover, it’s not just negative experiences that offer lessons; positive experiences also yield valuable insights. Rather than attributing success solely to luck, it’s essential to dissect the events and processes that led to it. This analytical approach is a skill that can be acquired.

Furthermore, learning from the mistakes of others is equally beneficial. Having a mentor or coach provides a platform to absorb lessons from their experiences, thereby avoiding repeating the same errors.

Ultimately, the goal is to adopt a “learn by doing” mindset

Seizing every initiative for value creation as a learning opportunity.

Engaging with peers and mentors to facilitate collective learning.

Summers Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy-introduction to entrepreneurship

Reflecting on and extracting lessons from both successes and failures, be it one’s own or those of others.

Top issues faced by marginalized entrepreneurs

1. Access to Capital

Marginalized entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing funding and investment opportunities due to systemic biases and discrimination.

2. Limited Access to Networks

Marginalized entrepreneurs may have limited access to professional networks and support systems, which are crucial for business growth and success.

3. Discrimination and Bias

Marginalized entrepreneurs frequently encounter discrimination and bias based on factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability status, which can hinder their entrepreneurial opportunities and success.

4. Lack of Representation

There is a lack of representation of marginalized entrepreneurs in mainstream entrepreneurial spaces, leading to a lack of visibility, recognition, and support for their ventures.

Summer Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy
Summer Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy

5. Limited Access to Education and Training

Marginalized entrepreneurs often face barriers in accessing quality entrepreneurship education and training programs, which are essential for developing essential skills and knowledge.

6. Unequal Access to Resources

Marginalized entrepreneurs may have unequal access to resources such as mentorship, business incubators, and technical assistance, which are critical for business development and growth.

7. Institutional Barriers

Marginalized entrepreneurs encounter institutional barriers such as discriminatory policies, regulations, and licensing requirements, which create additional hurdles for starting and operating businesses.

8. Socioeconomic Disparities

Marginalized entrepreneurs are more likely to come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, facing challenges such as limited access to affordable healthcare, childcare, and housing, which impact their ability to focus on business development.

9. Lack of Role Models

Marginalized entrepreneurs often lack role models and mentors who share similar backgrounds and experiences, making it difficult to find guidance and inspiration in their entrepreneurial pursuits.

10. Cultural and Linguistic Barriers

Marginalized entrepreneurs face challenges related to cultural and linguistic differences, particularly in accessing business resources, navigating bureaucratic processes, and communicating with stakeholders.

11. Implicit Biases in Market Access

Marginalized entrepreneurs may encounter implicit biases and stereotypes in accessing markets and customers, impacting their ability to compete and thrive in the marketplace.

12. Disproportionate Impact of Economic Crises

Marginalized entrepreneurs are disproportionately affected by economic downturns and crises, facing greater challenges in accessing financial support, maintaining business operations, and surviving economic shocks.

Summer Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy
Summer Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy

13. Lack of Accessible Spaces and Infrastructure

Marginalized entrepreneurs may face barriers in accessing physical spaces, transportation, and infrastructure that are essential for starting and growing businesses, particularly in underserved communities.

14. Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Marginalized entrepreneurs often confront legal and regulatory challenges, including navigating complex compliance requirements, securing licenses and permits, and protecting intellectual property rights.

15. Mental Health and Wellbeing

Marginalized entrepreneurs may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout due to the cumulative effects of systemic barriers, discrimination, and social isolation, impacting their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Many entrepreneurs face challenges in accessing capital to start or grow their businesses, particularly for those from marginalized communities or with limited collateral.

Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from policy makers, business leaders, support organizations, and the broader community to create more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems that enable all entrepreneurs to thrive.

Summer Foundation Entrepreneurship Academy

Training and Development

CONTACT US

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
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I authorise SF academy to use my personal data for marketing purposes related to their activities & services, in particular as it concerns educational opportunities & content articles in line with our interest.