The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Durham University Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Durham University, you may be familiar with the local incubators and entrepreneurial programmes offered on campus. While these initiatives provide valuable support, expanding your horizons could significantly increase your odds of long-term success. In fact, one study found that 87% of startups that went through top-tier programmes were still active after five years, compared to just 44% of those that went it alone. That’s the kind of difference the right programme can make.

But how do you know if an incubator programme is right for you? With so many rigid, one-size-fits-all options out there, finding the right fit can be tough. That’s where EWOR comes in: a uniquely flexible platform combining global mentorship, funding opportunities, and a prestigious network – designed specifically to help ambitious founders thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore five key reasons why Durham University students should look beyond their local incubators and consider EWOR to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

1. Access to Global Mentorship

Many university incubators and local programmes offer mentorship from faculty, alumni, or nearby founders. While helpful, these perspectives are often limited to regional markets and conventional startup paths.

EWOR operates borderless, on a global scale. Fellows are paired with mentors who have founded and scaled companies across continents and industries – including unicorns like SumUp, Adjust, and ProGlove. Rather than sporadic office hours, mentorship is built into the fabric of the programme – modular, consistent, and personal.

Durham University's local incubators, such as the Durham City Incubator (DCI) and Venture Lab, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect aspiring founders with experienced mentors, including alumni and local business experts. Mentors provide one-to-one support, sharing their knowledge and insights to help entrepreneurs develop their ideas, navigate challenges, and create viable business plans. The value of these local mentors lies in their understanding of the regional ecosystem and their ability to provide tailored advice and connections to help startups grow and succeed within County Durham. This support is crucial for early-stage entrepreneurs who need guidance to turn their innovative concepts into thriving businesses.

With EWOR, you’ll have the chance to work with mentors who have scaled their businesses across different countries and industries, providing invaluable insights that can help your startup succeed in the global marketplace.

2. Larger Funding Opportunities

While local incubators may provide grants or limited seed funding, securing substantial capital is often a challenge for early-stage entrepreneurs. EWOR offers up to €500,000 in initial funding for selected startups, which can significantly boost your ability to develop your business. Moreover, EWOR provides access to a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angel investors, ensuring that you have the opportunity to secure further rounds of funding as your startup grows.

Durham University supports student startups through initiatives like the Durham City Incubator (DCI) and Venture Lab. DCI is a six-month program for high-growth businesses in County Durham, welcoming student applications and providing access to startup funding opportunities, including the Finance Durham Start-Up Loan. Venture Lab offers various enterprise initiatives, including programs to explore and validate early-stage ideas and support for launching and growing new ventures, with opportunities for students and graduates to pitch for early-stage investment. Additionally, the Sterling Road Durham University Grant provides £1,000 to 25 teams annually, specifically for Durham University students and alumni to help kickstart their projects. These programs offer a range of support, from intensive mentoring and workshops to direct financial assistance and connections with investors.

By choosing EWOR, Durham University students can tap into larger funding sources, giving them the financial support needed to scale their businesses more effectively.

3. A Highly Selective and Prestigious Network

One of the main advantages of EWOR is the highly selective nature of its community. EWOR accepts only the top 0.1% of applicants, bringing together some of the world’s most talented and ambitious entrepreneurs. 

This exclusivity doesn’t just elevate the quality of each cohort — it also unlocks access to an extraordinary network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Just to name a few: Fabrice Grinda, one of the world’s leading angel investors and founder of OLX; Christian Kroll, founder of Ecosia, Europe’s largest search engine after Google; and Vaitea Cowan, co-founder of Enapter, (€640M IPO) and a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy. 

Durham University's local incubators, such as the Durham City Incubator (DCI) and the Hazan Venture Lab, foster a strong community for students and entrepreneurs. The DCI is a collaboration between Durham University, New College Durham, and Business Durham, offering a six-month accelerator program. This program provides intensive support, including mentoring, workshops, seminars, and networking events, enabling students to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and experienced business professionals. The Hazan Venture Lab provides a dedicated space for students and graduates to connect, collaborate, and form a community while working on their ventures. These initiatives help students build connections, gain practical skills, and access valuable networks and resources to develop their businesses. The university also facilitates connections with alumni and the wider business community, further enhancing networking and collaboration opportunities.

While local incubators at Durham University may provide valuable networking within the campus or regional ecosystem, EWOR’s global network opens doors to entirely new levels of collaboration. Fellows work alongside peers from dozens of countries and industries, connecting with elite investors, unicorn founders, and seasoned operators.

As many fellows have said, the community is one of the most unexpected – and most valuable – parts of the experience. “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

4. Flexibility and Remote Access

Many local incubators require in-person participation, which can be limiting for students balancing coursework, part-time jobs, or other commitments. 

Durham University, in partnership with other local entities, offers the Durham City Incubator (DCI) as an accelerator program for early-stage businesses in County Durham. This six-month, fully-funded program provides structured training, networking, and access to contacts. While the program has historically included in-person elements like boot camps and workshops, it has also adapted to offer digital delivery. Accessibility is a focus, with efforts to make the university's services and buildings inclusive, although some historic buildings present challenges. The Careers & Enterprise team offers both in-person and online support, including one-to-one appointments and online resources, enhancing accessibility for students. The hybrid nature of some programs, including internships, allows for flexibility, potentially increasing student participation by accommodating different needs and locations.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. Durham University students can access top-tier mentorship, founder-led education, and global resources without needing to relocate or follow a rigid schedule. Whether you’re validating an idea or scaling your first product, you’ll have the freedom to build around your life, not the other way around.

And if you're worried about missing out on in-person connection – don’t be. EWOR hosts real-world gatherings like the EWOR Connect and EWOR House, a multi-day retreat where fellows, alumni, and investors connect in person. We also organise city-based meetups and our flagship Grand Pitch event, which brings hundreds of top-tier investors together twice a year. So while the programme is remote-first, it’s far from remote-only.

5. Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Education

Local incubators often provide valuable workshops and learning modules, but they may be limited in scope and depth. EWOR offers over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and educational modules designed by top entrepreneurs and industry experts. This comprehensive entrepreneurial education covers everything from refining your business idea to scaling and securing funding, ensuring that you develop both as an entrepreneur and a leader.

Durham University's local incubators and enterprise support services offer various educational resources to foster entrepreneurial skills. The Hazan Venture Lab provides a dedicated space for students to explore and develop business ideas, offering specialist advice, mentoring, workshops, and networking opportunities. The Durham City Incubator (DCI), a joint venture, runs a six-month accelerator program with intensive support, including training and advice on finance, marketing, legal issues, and business strategy through boot camps, workshops, seminars, and mentoring. Additionally, the university's Careers & Enterprise Centre provides one-to-one appointments, business start-up advice, and access to online resources and digital tools. Students can also access courses focusing on entrepreneurial motivation, opportunity recognition, and resource management.

With EWOR, you’ll gain access to a more extensive and detailed entrepreneurial education, giving you the tools needed to overcome challenges and succeed in today’s competitive startup landscape.

That’s a Wrap

While Durham University's local incubators offer great resources for students starting their entrepreneurial journey, EWOR provides an unmatched opportunity for those looking to take their startup to the next level. With access to global mentorship, larger funding opportunities, a highly selective network, flexible remote programmes, and comprehensive entrepreneurial education, EWOR offers Durham University students the chance to build and scale their startups on a global stage. If you’re ready to look beyond local incubators and accelerate your entrepreneurial success, EWOR could be the ideal platform for you.

Image credits: Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash