The SHAPE Programme for

Built Environment Entrepreneurs

Connect & collaborate

 
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What is SHAPE?

Do you have a built environment business idea or have you just started a new business? Are you seeking support from others in developing your idea or enterprise? Have you always wanted to strike out alone? To harness your skills, experience and education and work more flexibly or holistically? Do away with the 9-5?

Learning how to shape your unique skill set into a business isn’t easy; SHAPE is here to help. Whether that’s building new public sector community housing, starting a niche creative agency or a trade, we are here to support you.

The SHAPE Programme has been designed for new and budding business founders on a mission to create change. The programme features a series of learning workshops for early-stage entrepreneurs taking place between Spring 2025 to Summer 2025.

The programme is supported by Built By Us, Surface Matter and the Laudes Foundation.



Who is SHAPE for?

SHAPE collaborates with early-stage entrepreneurs who are in the process of starting up or within 0-4 years of being established. Mentees are of different ages and stages of their careers; from designers to craftspeople, this programme is open to a wide range of specialisms. As a participant, you are seeking the tools and the spark to realise your vision.

Built By Us strives to increase diversity in the leadership of the built environment sector, particularly seeking to nurture traditionally under-looked and under-served talent.

This includes:

  • Women

  • The Global Majority, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds

  • Disabled people

  • LGBTQIA+ people

  • People who face socio-economic disadvantage


How does SHAPE work?

The SHAPE programme is comprised of learning sessions and group mentoring.

Programme beneficiaries will take part in a range of workshops led by expert practitioners alongside mentoring sessions. 

The workshop and mentoring sessions enable you to dig deeper into starting and running your business. Through a combination of pre-work and live sessions, will receive guidance on topics such as different business structures, how to price your services, and developing your brand and marketing.





Applications for Shape 2025 beneficiaries and Mentors are now open!

Beneficiaries

Apply now to become a program beneficiary and receive the support you need to start and grow your business. Please note that we only accept one application per business. If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview and the learning sessions will begin in April 2025. To apply, please use the button below to complete the online application.

Volunteer Mentors

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life? Mentoring provides a unique chance to be a sounding board, gain insights into emerging trends, and explore different perspectives. Our program is seeking enthusiastic and dynamic individuals to collaborate with our diverse participants. We take pride in personally matching every partnership and offering full training to ensure a successful mentoring experience.

If you are interested in volunteering to mentor programme participants, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. It's a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and make a real difference in someone's life. Simply click the button below to complete our online application form.

The commitment is up to three hours per month for up to six months, starting in Spring 2025. As a mentor, you will attend group mentoring sessions along with one-to-one meetings. Apply now to become a mentor!

 

Should you have any questions about applying don't hesitate to get in touch with Built By Us via info@builtbyus.org.uk

 

“The environment that we come across in Built By Us is much more similar to our actual social networks. Standard industry events don’t feel like they’re for us or the communities we live and work in. Built By Us feels like coming home.”

Greta, SHAPE Mentee

FAQs

I don’t live in the UK. Can I still apply?

You can, but please note that the information context is based on UK law and structures, so it may not be suitable for entities outside the UK.

How much time will this take for beneficiaries?

The programme will run from April 2025 to July 2025, and you must commit to the whole process.

You will spend approximately 6 hours per month attending learning and mentoring sessions. For the first time, we will be running the majority of sessions as a half day on Saturday mornings.

How much time will this take for mentors?

You must attend a training session and three circle mentoring events. This will involve around 2 hours commitment per month from April to July. Should you be able to

Are there opportunities to meet the programme participants?

We host a wrap event where mentees can present and provide a certificate of completion 

Can any specialism apply?

We encourage applicants from across the construction and the built environment whose idea or business has been up to 4 years trading. Whether you are in craft, design, construction, manufacturing, property or many other areas, you are welcome to apply. We seek ideas and organisations that are keen to make a social and or environmental impact.

What happens after I apply?

We will contact applicants to update them once applications close. All potential participants take part in an interview. The application process typically takes up to 6 weeks.

The live sessions - will they be online? Face to face?

At the time of writing the sessions are planned to be predominantly online with some in-person events in London - UK.

Partners and Sponsors

We are delighted to welcome the Laudes Foundation as project partners and we would like to thank Surface Matter for their continued support as Gold Sponsors 2024 .

If you would like to help drive greater diversity and inclusion in the built environment contact us now to find out how you can become a partner and sponsor.

 Find out more about the impact of this programme and our work. Download the 2022 Social Impact Report