At Hatch, we’ve spent the last decade developing a unique, tailored methodology that provides inclusive business support for founders from all backgrounds.
Our approach recognises that while talent is equally distributed, opportunities are not. That’s why we’ve created programmes that address the specific challenges faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs, giving them the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed.
Our inclusive business support for founders is built on evidence-based practices refined through supporting over 9,000 UK founders. We meet founders exactly where they are—whether testing a concept, growing an established business, or scaling for greater impact. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating not just successful businesses, but resilient founders who can overcome barriers and build sustainable ventures with lasting community impact.
When I started the programme, Touch Grass was just a newly formed idea and I had no clue where to go from there. Finishing the programme I feel so empowered and motivated to keep the momentum going. We have big aspirations for Touch Grass and can’t wait to keep you posted on our journey.
Toni-Ann Murphy,
Founder of Touch Grass and Launchpad graduate
Just as we encourage our founders to test, learn and adapt, we continuously evolve our programmes based on founder feedback and changing needs. Our experimental approach allows us to be agile and responsive, ensuring our support remains relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing business landscape.
We actively work to level the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs. This means creating programmes that address systemic barriers and providing tailored support to those who have historically been excluded from traditional business networks and opportunities.
Our methodology stands apart from traditional business support models through our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, founder-led design, and holistic approach to entrepreneurial development.
Our programmes aren’t created in isolation—they’re developed in partnership with the founders we serve. By involving founders in our design process, we ensure our support addresses real needs rather than assumed ones. This collaborative approach makes our programmes truly responsive to the challenges underrepresented founders face.
We recognise that underrepresented founders don’t lack talent, ambition, or ideas; they lack opportunities, networks, training, and access to funding. Our methodology specifically targets these gaps, creating pathways to success that might otherwise remain closed.
We understand that access to funding is one of the greatest barriers faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Our grant programme provides not just financial support, but does so in a way that respects founders’ agency and recognises their expertise in their own businesses.
At the heart of our approach is a vibrant, supportive community. We create spaces where founders can share challenges, celebrate successes, and learn from one another. This peer support network becomes a powerful resource for founders at every stage of their journey.
We serve as a bridge between underrepresented founders and the resources they need to thrive. This includes connecting them with industry experts, potential investors, and business networks that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Our Data-Driven Approach
At Hatch, we believe that to provide the best possible support for our founders, we must be constantly learning alongside them. Drawing on over 10 years of experience and comprehensive data collection, we’ve developed a rigorous approach to understanding what works, what doesn’t, and how we can continuously evolve our programmes to better serve underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Our commitment to evidence-based practice means we collect insights at every stage of the founder journey – before, during, and up to two years after programme completion. We work with external research partners like YouGov to generate both qualitative and quantitative learning of our founders, ensuring we understand not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ behind our impact. This isn’t just about tracking business metrics like turnover and staff growth – we recognise that being a founder, particularly from an underrepresented background, brings unique challenges. That’s why we also monitor founders’ mental health and wellbeing, understanding that the right mindset and support systems are crucial for entrepreneurial success.
We actively seek feedback from current and former founders, working with external workshop providers and constantly engaging with our community to understand their evolving needs. This founder-led approach ensures our programmes remain relevant and responsive. Many of the entrepreneurs we support – women, disabled founders, and those from ethnic minorities – face additional barriers that other groups don’t encounter. By maintaining ongoing dialogue with our community and using data to track where our programmes are making a difference, we can identify gaps, make targeted improvements, and ensure we’re truly addressing the systemic challenges that prevent talented individuals from realising their entrepreneurial potential.
It was cool to see other sustainable fashion business founders on the programme. I had been getting flustered doing my pitch, worried that people wouldn’t understand what I was talking about, but everyone on the programme was so aware of social and environmental issues. It was really affirming.
81%
81% of our founders are women
61%
61% of our founders are from minority ethnic backgrounds
83%
83% of our founders run impact-driven businesses
At Hatch, we’ve developed a comprehensive methodology that provides inclusive business support for founders at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Our inclusive business support for founders follows a clear pathway, with programmes designed to meet entrepreneurs exactly where they are—from those with initial ideas to established businesses ready to scale their impact, recognising that while talent is equally distributed, opportunities are not.
For those with a business idea looking to start their entrepreneurial journey
For founders with established businesses looking to grow sustainably
For established businesses ready to scale their impact and operations
Programme Design:
We create each programme based on our decade of experience supporting founders, incorporating feedback from previous cohorts and working directly with our funders to leverage their expertise. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we understand the challenges founders face and design our support accordingly.
Application & Recruitment:
Our application process has been designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. It includes an application form, video interview, and additional support from our team where needed. This approach helps us identify founders who will benefit most from our support and contribute to a vibrant cohort.
Programme Formation:
Our programme managers select participants and reach out to understand their specific needs. We then fine-tune the programme design to address the unique challenges of that specific group, ensuring the support is relevant and impactful.
The Programme Experience:
Founders engage in workshops often led by successful graduates from previous programmes, receive one-to-one mentoring, participate in peer support sessions, attend exclusive events, and receive ongoing support from our dedicated programme managers.
Programme Conclusion
At the end of each programme, founders can participate in our Demo Day event—a significant milestone where they showcase their businesses to a panel of experts, receiving valuable feedback and exposure. These events celebrate achievements,open doors to new opportunities, and provide an opportunity to evaluate progress made throughout the programme.
Long-Term Support:
The journey doesn’t end at graduation. Founders join our graduate network with access to events, continued mentoring, grant opportunities, and the chance to progress to higher-tier programmes like moving from Launchpad to Incubator. Many also return as expert speakers, contributing to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Our commitment to providing inclusive business support for founders means that regardless of where entrepreneurs are on their journey—whether just starting out with an idea or scaling an established venture—we ensure every programme delivers a comprehensive support package.
We’ve refined these core elements over years of working with underrepresented founders, creating a methodology that addresses both the universal challenges of entrepreneurship and the specific barriers faced by those from diverse backgrounds. Each programme is built around these essential components:
A cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs sharing the journey
Connections to industry experts, potential customers, and investors
Personalised guidance from experienced business professionals
Tailored sessions covering key business skills and knowledge
Competitive grants to invest back into the business
Personalised guidance from experienced business professionals
124%
increase in their ability to access needed funding
92%
improvement in measuring their business impact
63%
better access to expertise and opportunities for continued growth
I’ve now built up a really good network of founders and that was mostly down to the way the programme was done. There was a good community ethos, which I think is important, we have a WhatsApp group now and share networks with each other. There’s a really impactful ecosystem of different people – that’s all facilitated by Hatch, and is possible because of how well the team engages.
Jordan Sterling,
Founder of Loud Futures and Deep Dive graduateWorking Together for Greater Impact
Our work is amplified through strategic partnerships with organisations who share our mission to support underrepresented entrepreneurs. We don’t work in isolation – we’re part of a collaborative ecosystem where each partner brings unique strengths, expertise, and resources. This collective approach enables us to provide comprehensive support that goes far beyond what any single organisation could achieve alone, creating pathways to success that benefit founders, partners, and the broader entrepreneurship landscape.
This entry stands out for its exceptional commitment to supporting early-stage, underserved startup founders. Judges were impressed by the depth and quality of support provided, highlighting a strong focus on inclusivity, access, and empowerment.
The initiative clearly demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs and responds with practical, impactful solutions. With a clear mission and a well-executed approach, this work is playing a meaningful role in levelling the playing field for founders who often face systemic barriers. A valuable and commendable contribution to the startup ecosystem.
Hustle Awards 2025
Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking support, a potential partner, or a donor looking to make an impact, there’s a place for you in our community. Together, we’re building a fairer, more diverse, and environmentally sustainable economy where everyone stands an equal chance of success.
Ready to grow your business with expert support? Our programmes are designed to help founders from all backgrounds launch, grow, and scale successful ventures. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, we have a programme for you.
Partner with us to create lasting impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Your support enables us to help more underrepresented founders build successful businesses, while giving you or your organisation meaningful ways to engage with diverse entrepreneurs.