The SHAPE Programme for
Built Environment Entrepreneurs
Connect & collaborate
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 2024 to Autumn 2024. 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 comprises two distinct parts: workshops and mentoring.
Programme beneficiaries will take part in a range of workshops led by expert practitioners alongside regular 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. Download further information below.
Applications for Shape 2024 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 March 2024. 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 supporting a program participant as a volunteer mentor, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of their experience or qualifications. 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 for up to three hours per month for six months, starting in Spring 2024. Apply now and become a mentor!
Should you have any questions about applying don't hesitate to get in touch with Tiri via email at support@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 around 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 March to September 2024, and you will need a commitment to the whole process.
You will be spending approximately 4- 6 hours per month, including 2 learning sessions and your mentor meeting.
How much time will this take for mentors?
You will need to attend a training session and be proactive in booking six, 1:1 mentoring sessions with your mentoring partner. These can be online or face-to-face.
What do I get at the end?
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 be in touch to update applicants once applications close. All potential participants take part in an interview. Following this the matching process begins and where a suitable match is identified BBU will advise. The application to matching process typically takes 3 months. Mentoring begins after the learning session begin, in March.
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.
