START School: Programme Evaluation

Launched in 2023, START is an exciting two-year pilot programme for the West of England region, delivered by a consortium of four universities: The University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE Bristol), The University of Bristol, The University of Bath, and Bath Spa University. Led by UWE Bristol, in partnership with techSPARK, the pioneering programme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and provides a package of support and development for innovative pre-start and early formation tech businesses across the Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North-East Somerset regions. The START programme is designed for those who have an innovative tech focussed start-up idea and would like to develop it further. Programme provision includes 28 hours of business focussed workshops, mentoring and access to shared networks and investment opportunities. Upon completion, participants are additionally able to pitch for a place in a local university-led start-up incubator for a further 6 months. START aims to: • Support employment uplift from creation of new, fast growth businesses • Help increase diversity and representation of tech start-up founders • Develop businesses that will generate sustainable economic growth Consultant Brief We are looking for an external consultant to undertake an evaluation of the START School programme, reviewing the successes, learnings and outcomes from the project. We are asking the appointed consultant to review the following areas, in addition to any others they may find appropriate: • Appropriateness of initial design • Progress against targets • Delivery and management • Outcomes and impact • Value for money • Lessons learnt The project team will work alongside the consultant to identify all appropriate data and contact beneficiaries. We are looking for potential consultants to approach us with innovative evaluation ideas and who have a particular focus on our target groups of programme participants. Applications Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of evaluating local government funded projects, particularly projects working with our key target audiences. Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: 1. Experience of: a. working with pre-start and early formation businesses b. evaluating schemes targeting support for early formation businesses c. Working to evaluate local government funded programmes 2. Delivery plan 3. Value for money This information will need to be compiled into one document and submitted prior to the deadline. Please also provide us with your proposed fee for delivery of the above contract. There is a maximum budget of £15,000 (inclusive of VAT) committed for this work. Please email this to jessica.tomico@uwe.ac.uk no later than midnight on Sunday 26th January 2025.