Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an international celebration of the innovators and changemakers who bring ideas to life. Every November, this remarkable event connects entrepreneurs across 200 countries, creating opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration.
This year’s theme, “Together We Build,” emphasises the power of collective innovation and partnership, so it was only natural that X-Forces Enterprise joined Anglia Ruskin University and NatWest to explore this theme. Hosted by Ren Kapur MBE, CEO of XFE and Visiting Professor at ARU, the webinar brought together students, graduates, and early-stage founders to tackle one of the most pressing questions in today’s entrepreneurial landscape: how do we build and finance ventures responsibly in a world of uncertainty and opportunity?
Why building responsibly matters now
Ren opened the session with a powerful message that set the tone for the discussion:
“Entrepreneurship today can’t just be about a smart idea and a great valuation. The real questions are: What are we building, who does it serve, and at what cost?”
Rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty and climate pressures shape the markets we serve and the communities we impact. Responsible finance isn’t just important, it’s non-negotiable. For founders, that means looking beyond headline numbers or a spreadsheet and asking the important questions:
· What expectations does this funding create?
· How will it affect control, culture and purpose?
· Does this align with the kind of organisation I want to build and grow?
For investors and institutions, it means recognising that strong returns are increasingly coming from ventures that balance both profit and purpose.
Collaboration changes everything
One of the most powerful messages from the session was that entrepreneurship is never a solo journey. When universities, banks, and enterprise networks unite, they create ecosystems that provide not just resources, but confidence and capability.
Through programmes, mentoring, and shared networks, collaboration opens doors that individual effort often cannot. This is the spirit of Together We Build, a reminder that partnerships fuel progress.
Driving inclusive growth
Access to finance isn’t equal for everyone, and that reality can hold back talented founders. Under-represented entrepreneurs often face additional hurdles that make scaling their businesses harder. X-Forces Enterprise is committed to changing that by creating opportunities and support systems that level the playing field. XFE has supported more than 4,000 businesses through the Start Up Loans scheme and helped over 10,000 people take their first steps into entrepreneurship. It’s not just about money, it’s about creating opportunities and building lasting futures, it’s about getting the support you need at the time you need it.
Inclusivity isn’t just about doing the right thing; it makes business stronger. When diverse founders succeed, they bring fresh ideas and perspectives that strengthen the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Looking ahead, XFE is also working with Anglia Ruskin University on the Social Impact Fund, which supports students launching businesses with a strong social value. This initiative began last year and will return next year, continuing to back ventures that create real value for communities.
Insights from the audience
The Q&A session was a highlight of the webinar, showcasing the curiosity and ambition of the next generation of founders. Participants asked thoughtful, practical questions such as:
· “Are there particular sectors or business models where alternative finance or British Business Bank-backed products are especially useful?”
· “When is the right time to move from bootstrapping to external finance?”
· “Does being a sole trader put me at a disadvantage vs being a Limited Company?”
Advice to take away
As the session closed, each speaker shared one piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
· Ren Kapur: “Network. Whether with groups of investors or for client acquisition, different types of networking will be beneficial at different points in time. It’s important to know how to network the right way.”
· Nick Howe: “Fall in love with your customers, not your solution. Use passion to guide your idea but let customer feedback shape the product.”
· Prof. Gary Packham: “Be smart about how you use funding. There’s lots you can do without money, particularly at university, where you already have a wide network available to you.”
This session was a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business. It’s about taking responsibility, working together and staying resilient. Building your network and collaboration are key. At X-Forces Enterprise, we’re proud to champion these values and support founders at every stage of their journey.
