November 21, 2024, by aczht
The Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship – one year on
Launched nationally on 5 October 2023, at The Shard in London, the Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship was developed by Dr Lorna Treanor, Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Nottingham University Business School. The Charter aims to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship for underserved and underrepresented groups by promoting a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative seeks to create fair opportunities and outcomes in entrepreneurship, contributing to global economic recovery through inclusivity.
Key developments over the past year
The Charter was developed in partnership with regional stakeholders, including representatives from D2N2 LEP (now part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority) and co-authored with experts from The Women’s Organisation. It gained early support from organisations such as the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE), Enterprise Educators UK, Obu Invest, the Black Business Network and the Neurodiversity and Entrepreneurship Association (NEA). These collaborations have provided a strong foundation for advancing the Charter’s mission of building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Since its launch, the Charter has grown rapidly and now has 112 signatories. To support this expansion, a new website will be launched soon to provide additional resources and updates.
Neurodiversity and Enterprise Education Toolkit
In partnership with the NEA, the Charter has developed the Neurodiversity and Enterprise Education Toolkit – a resource designed to help education and training practitioners empower neurodivergent students and entrepreneurs. The toolkit was inspired by discussions held during a workshop titled Neurodiversity and Enterprise Education: How Can We Facilitate Neurodivergent Student Success?, delivered by representatives from the Charter and NEA at the International Enterprise Educators Conference 2023. The toolkit was officially launched at the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) annual conference in November 2024 and is available as a free download. Feedback is welcomed to guide the development of future resources and enhance its impact – see links below.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on progress, Lorna said:
“It has been great to witness the growth of the Charter over the past year. Our signatories are doing amazing work to promote EDI. The year ahead promises to be just as exciting with the Charter featuring at an event in the Houses of Parliament in February, being showcased at an Inclusive entrepreneurship Northern Ireland event in April, and potentially debuting in Scotland with support from the Adam Smith Business School – watch this space!”
Resources and further information:
- Neurodiversity and Enterprise Education Toolkit
- Neurodiversity and Enterprise Education Toolkit Feedback form
- Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship – national launch
- Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship resources and brochure
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