Do you ever catch yourself dreaming up new business ideas?
Sisterhood Summer is a free programme to get your dreams out of the drafts and get equipped with the entrepreneurial skills to be a socially minded leader with the foundation to start your own business.
See inside Sisterhood Summer for yourself 👆
Applications for Sisterhood Summer 2025 are open from:
4th April - 6th June 2025.
A Programme for Founders built by Founders
A new generation of entrepreneurs are emerging. Recent data reveals a significant surge in female-led businesses, with nearly 17,500 ventures launched by women aged 16-25 in 2022 alone. This remarkable growth underscores the immense potential and drive within our generation. However, navigating the startup world can be daunting.
The latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2023/2024 Report reveals that the UK's National Entrepreneurial Context Index (NECI) score has slipped to 4.6 out of 10, down from 5.0 in 2020. This decline has pushed the UK to a worrying 22nd place for "Entrepreneurial Education at School" and an even more concerning 33rd for "Entrepreneurial Education Post-School."
Enter Sisterhood Summer the place where you will…
💡 Validate your business idea: Learn how to assess the market potential and refine your concept whilst gaining the practical skill to make your vision a reality.
📈 Develop a solid business plan: Gain the knowledge and skills to create a roadmap for developing a business that prioritises balancing profit and purpose.
🤝 Connect with a like-minded Sisterhood: Network with experienced entrepreneurs who will guide and support your journey.
🌪️ Become a changemaking leader: Develop the skills and confidence to be a force for positive impact.
Sisterhood Summer is a two week programme for girls & gender-expanding youth (aged 16-20) interested in building skills for the future, starting their own social business and leadership development.
This free in-person London based entrepreneurship programme runs from 24th July - 7th August (excluding weekends) with food, accommodation and travel scholarships available*
*This will be based on eligibility which will be reviewed during the application process.
CHANGEMAKING PARTNERSHIP:
Coming Together with NatWest Thrive
We've teamed up with NatWest Thrive for a fourth time to create pathways for you to develop the leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to balance profit and purpose as a leader and in business.
“NatWest Thrive, is our financial wellbeing and life readiness programme, helping young people build the money mindset, self-belief and skills they need to feel more confident about their financial future. By partnering with relatable role models we want to inspire young people to have the confidence to own their future and give them the skills and support they need to achieve their goals.”
Marg Joblin - Chief Marketing Officer | NatWest Group
You can expect:
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Gain invaluable insights and personalised guidance from industry-leading mentors, to help problem solve and shape your business.
Watch behind the scenes at the Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring event that took place at NatWest HQ in 2024. 👉
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Master essential entrepreneurial skills with focused modules such as Theory of Change, Market Research, Budgeting & Revenue to help you launch and scale a successful social business.
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Learn and collaborate in vibrant, dynamic spaces designed to foster innovation and connection, providing the perfect environment for your entrepreneurial journey.
Are you ready to start applying?
Maybe you are ready with an idea or would like some support with your application, or you might just be curious to learn about entrepreneurial skills if so, take a look at the resources below to get you started.
Free Digital Workshop: Generate Creative Ideas with Rachita, Rebecca and Kira!
* FREE * For a Limited Time
This masterclass is perfect for people who would like some support with generating creative ideas to submit in their application. Through this step by step digital workshop you will get an insight to Sisterhood Summer experience as well as the tools and tips you need to submit a stand-out application.
Free Digital Workbook: Discover your Self Starter Energy
* FREE * For a Limited Time
This downloadable workbook is perfect for anyone who is curious to understand social entrepreneurship. This guided journal is packed full of inspiration, thoughtful exercises and professional lessons for you to discover how entrepreneurial skills could help you in your future career.
💜 BACKED BY CHANGEMAKING COLLABORATORS
💜 BACKED BY CHANGEMAKING COLLABORATORS
This could be your logo.
If you would like to be a changemaking sponsor for Sisterhood Summer 2025 get in touch today!
Find Your People
At Sisterhood Summer, you can meet and learn from founders, designers and business experts who will pass on their knowledge and experiences to support you and your business.
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Sisterhood Summer 2024 Alumni - Founder of Trend Cycle
Read about Ramani’s time at Sisterhood Summer in her article for Start up magazine.
https://startupsmagazine.co.uk/article-role-entrepreneurial-education-young-women
Ramani tells us about how her experience at Sisterhood Summer fueled her entrepreneurial dreams and built her confidence, resilience and ideas. She credits the inspiring mentors and advisors with shifting her mindset to self- belief and the community she’s gained through her Sisterhood alumni with supporting her changemaking dreams today. Thank you for being part of Sisterhood Ramani!
Impact at a Glance
High support creates high impact - and this year’s programme is a testament to the professional and personal development our changemakers received. From industry-leading expert sessions, mentored by influential founders and creating businesses that tackle the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dive in to the stories of change from this year’s Sisterhood Summer, & learn more about how entrepreneurship begins with being a self-starter!
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The Sisterhood ecosystem is nurtured by purpose-driven changemakers within businesses who are dedicating their time, expertise and using their platform to foster female leadership and entrepreneurship.
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50 Social business solutions addressing 100% of the UN Sustainable Goals have been started and supported as a result of the Sisterhood Summer Programme. Over the years we have noticed 5 distinctive themes that are repeatedly a priority for our participants.
Sustainability
Equality
Education
Wellbeing
Social Empowerment
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Rising expenses in housing, food, and transportation has significantly affected young people, forcing them to delay or abandon plans for education or business ventures due to financial pressure. In 2024, we provided technology and digital support, ensuring participants with limited access could fully engageThis year, Sisterhood Summer was able to offer:
33% received accommodation scholarship
67% received a travel scholarship
100% were given a food stipend
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72% of participants enrolled on the programme were from outside of London. Changemakers came from all across UK: Birmingham, Essex, Hull, North Yorkshire and more...
Ready to Apply:
Sisterhood Summer 2025
Applications are now open, if you would like to download the questions beforehand to craft your responses before submitting, you can do so HERE.