Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme celebrates six promising startups

Henley Business School hosted the Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme Presentation of Awards event at its Whiteknights Campus, celebrating the achievements of six dynamic entrepreneurs.

Supported by Santander, this initiative forms part of the bank’s global commitment to supporting education, employability and entrepreneurship.

Each of the six winning businesses received £1,500 funding to help cover specific operational costs associated with starting their ventures. These funds can be utilised for various essential expenses such as prototyping, inventory purchases, customer sampling, legal contracts, domain registrations, trademarking, and CRM subscriptions.

The six entrepreneurs and their innovative businesses awarded were:

• William Haresceugh with Aimful – A software business developing an AI-powered coaching app for employee personal development, offering 24/7 on-demand coaching sessions via voice and text.
• Tyler Koch with Invision Social – A social media marketing agency dedicated to helping SMEs create innovative digital strategies.
• Joe Newton with Lumera Solutions – A marketing automation agency focused on aiding small businesses in growing their online presence with custom-built automation solutions.
• Katie Carter with Nifty Numnahs – An equestrian products business known for its uniquely designed numnahs, with plans to expand into other horse accessories.
• Oscar Marsh with Samurai Strength – A gym-accessories business that has launched creatively designed wrist wraps, with plans to introduce additional gym wear such as knee and elbow supports.
• Brandon Bradford with Strive Social – A video production and social media marketing agency specializing in short-form content production for online coaches, course creators, and service providers.

Award certificates were presented by Remy Foucher, Relationship Director within the Education and Social Impact team at Santander. The event not only recognised these budding entrepreneurs but also encouraged them to aim higher.

The winners have been invited to apply for the Santander X UK Awards 2024 competition, where they have the chance to win up to £25,000 in funding. The winners of the awards will go forward to represent the UK in the Santander X Global Awards, where they will compete against the top early-stage businesses from Europe and Latin America.

Jurek Sikorski, Director of the Henley Enterprise Lab and host of the Greenshoots Presentation of Awards event, remarked:

"The entrepreneurs were all very deserving winners, and both Santander and Henley wish them great success on their journey to realise their ambition."

Remy Foucher, Relationship Director at Santander said:

“At Santander, we recognise the crucial role that entrepreneurs play in building and strengthening the UK economy. We support the innovators of the future at every stage of their journey, connecting them to the support they need to grow their business ideas. I look forward to continuing to follow the progress of all the winners of the Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme.”

For more information on the Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme and other entrepreneurship initiatives at Henley Business School, visit www.henley.ac.uk/helab.