The Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship aims to minimise barriers to entrepreneurship for underserved and under-represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, young people, migrants and people with disabilities. It was co-developed by Dr Laura Treanor, Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Nottingham University, and Helen Burkinshaw, Policy Officer for The Women’s Organisation, who support women to achieve personal, social and economic potential.The Charter provides a framework to achieve an inclusive enterprise ecosystem through its five main principles:

• Promoting diverse role models across the enterprise ecosystem
• Delivering inclusive enterprise support
• Enabling lifelong learning of entrepreneurship education
• Ensuring equal access to enterprise finance
• Implementing measurable targets for inclusive enterprise policy and procurement practices.

By signing, Leeds Trinity University Business School has joined a wide range of organisations and other Higher Education institutions in committing to implement those principles into its everyday practices, thereby facilitating participation in entrepreneurship for underrepresented groups, boosting the overall economy, creating substantial new business and adding to employment and income opportunities.

Christine Samy, Senior Lecturer in Business and Innovation at Leeds Trinity University, said: "We are incredibly pleased to join the Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship as a signatory. This commitment aligns clearly with the Business School’s mission to foster inclusivity in all aspects of our curriculum and research.

“By removing barriers to entrepreneurship for the marginalised and under-represented social groups, we are not only expanding opportunities for our students and aspiring entrepreneurs but also enriching the diversity of ideas, experiences and perspectives that drive true innovation. This initiative strengthens our ability to nurture future business leaders who are equipped to create more equitable and sustainable enterprises, both locally and globally.’’

Dr Lorna Treanor, co-author of the Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship and Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Nottingham University, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leeds Trinity University as new signatories to the Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship. The Charter aims to facilitate a more inclusive ecosystem so that any individual, regardless of personal characteristics or background, can equitably access appropriate education, training and support to help them start a business. Leeds Trinity’s commitment to inclusive lifelong enterprise education and business support is reflected in their adoption of the Charter and the associated commitment to continuously improve their inclusive practices.”

Leeds Trinity University Business School will deliver programmes at the University’s new Leeds City Campus at 1 Trevelyan Square, which opens in the 2024/25 academic year.

Hesham Al-Sabbahy, Head of the Leeds Trinity University Business School, said: “The Business School places a strong focus on producing highly employable and ethically responsible graduates, who can contribute to the economic growth of our region and our nation. Ensuring our students are equipped with the tools they need and can apply inclusive approaches to work will help cultivate a better and more diverse business landscape in future.”

For more information on Business degrees at Leeds Trinity, visit the University website.