Representatives from Barclays, in collaboration with Islington Council, held a Financial Insights event to designers and students based at the FC Designer Workspace. Navigating the financial side of a creative business is often one of the most challenging aspects for entrepreneurs, especially for those just starting. This session aimed to demystify the complexities of banking and business planning, giving our community the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Building a Balanced Startup Team: The “Hacker, Hustler, and Hipster” Model

One of the standout points of the talk was Barclays’ introduction of the “Hacker, Hustler, and Hipster” model, a proven framework for building a well-rounded startup team:

This approach to team-building resonated with our designers, many of whom are solo entrepreneurs or working in small teams. The insight into how each role contributes uniquely to business success offered a fresh perspective on the importance of collaboration and diverse skill sets in startups.

Barclays Eagle Labs: A Hub for Innovation and Growth

Barclays Eagle Labs was highlighted as a key resource for startup founders and scale-up businesses. This entrepreneurial network provides extensive support, including:

For our community at FC Designer Workspace, which includes startups at varying stages, Barclays Eagle Labs represents a comprehensive support system that aligns with our mission of empowering creative businesses.

Female Founder Support Program

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, Barclays also introduced their Female Founder Accelerator, developed in partnership with AccelerateHER. This nine-week program supports female founders beyond the idea stage, providing masterclasses in key areas such as marketing, sales, financial management, and team-building. Participants benefit from one-on-one mentoring, accountability groups, and networking opportunities, culminating in a showcase event. This initiative aligns with our values at Fashion-Enter, as we continually seek to support underrepresented voices in the business landscape.

Support for Startups and Scaleups

Beyond creative businesses, Barclays Eagle Labs extends its support to startups and scaleups across various industries:

Connecting Investors and Founders

Barclays Demo Directory, a platform connecting founders with investors, was also introduced, offering scaleup founders an opportunity to showcase their business and secure funding to drive growth. This focus on investment readiness is essential for creatives looking to expand and reach new markets.

Gratitude and Partnership

A special thank you to Sunny Vaidya, Chiara Neiddu, Andy Tsangari, Alistair Drew-Yeates, and Kristine Agnaan from Barclays for their time, insights, and dedication to supporting our creative community. Their expertise has provided our designers with a deeper understanding of business finances and potential growth pathways. We also extend our gratitude to Andrew Paschalis, Local Economy Officer for Finsbury Park Ward & Town Centre, for his continuous support in fostering connections that empower our local businesses.

Through partnerships like this, FC Designer Workspace remains committed to providing our designers and students with the resources, knowledge, and network to succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.

For more information on the services and programs offered by Barclays Eagle Labs, please visit their website and explore the wealth of opportunities they provide to startups and scaleups across the UK.

Top image by Thirdman – pexels.com