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

As a student at University of Manchester, 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 University of Manchester 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.

University of Manchester's local incubators, such as those within the new Sister innovation district, provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These incubators connect founders with experienced mentors, often from the local business community. The value of these local mentors lies in their understanding of the regional ecosystem, providing tailored advice, industry connections, and practical guidance. They support entrepreneurs by helping them develop ideas, build teams, navigate challenges, and make informed decisions. This local support is crucial for increasing the survival rate of startups.

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.

The University of Manchester offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) and associated programs. The Kickstarter Award provides grants of up to £2000 to help students and recent graduates explore and test early-stage business ideas. Accelerate ME, a student-led accelerator supported by MEC, offers equity-free grant funding as part of its four-month program for developing and launching startups. The university also supports participation in competitions like the Venture Further Awards and Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Awards, which provide funding and support. Additionally, initiatives like the Start-Up MVP Fund at Manchester Metropolitan University offer micro-grants for students to validate ideas. The broader Manchester ecosystem also includes investors and programs like the Momentum Fund, focusing on specific sectors.

By choosing EWOR, University of Manchester 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. 

The University of Manchester's Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) is a central point for student startup support. It offers various programs, events, workshops, and educational content to help students develop entrepreneurial skills and launch businesses. A key part of this is Accelerate ME, a student-led accelerator program providing mentorship, office space, funding, and connections to investors. The university also aims to increase student engagement in entrepreneurship through peer-to-peer initiatives and digital platforms. Additionally, the University of Manchester Innovation Centre (UMIC) provides support services and event spaces for early-stage companies, fostering a vibrant academic and business community. This ecosystem encourages collaboration among students, academics, and industry professionals.

While local incubators at University of Manchester 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. 

The University of Manchester's Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) is a central point for entrepreneurship support, offering various programs and resources. These include taught units, early-stage idea building programs, and development programs for freelancers, researchers, and startups. While some programs may have in-person components, like access to labs or physical incubator spaces, the university also utilizes online and hybrid approaches. For example, they have offered virtual enterprise schools and online microlearning options. This hybrid approach, incorporating both in-person and remote elements, can enhance student participation by offering flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for students with disabilities, those in different time zones, or those balancing other commitments. However, it also requires careful consideration to ensure equitable access and engagement for all students.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Manchester 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.

The University of Manchester's Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) is a central point for entrepreneurship support. They offer educational resources like scenario-based online microlearning for flexible learning. The "Entrepreneurial Skills" course unit provides lectures and workshops covering topics such as idea generation, business planning, marketing, and finance, often featuring guest entrepreneurs. The university also participates in programs like OPEN SME, offering free online courses in areas like Finance, Digital, Markets, People, and Community to help businesses grow. University incubators generally provide business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups develop.

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 University of Manchester'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 University of Manchester 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