About Us
What is EF?
Entrepreneur First is the graduate scheme for aspiring entrepreneurs. Launched in September 2011, we recruit the UK’s most talented students and support them for a period of up to two years as they build and grow their businesses.
What are EF’s goals?
Our goals are to:- Increase the number of highly talented students who aspire to entrepreneurial careers by providing a practical and prestigious route into entrepreneurship
- Improve our participants’ likelihood of success by providing world-leading training and mentors, and improved access to funding
- Build the pool of talent in the UK start-up space by providing participants with the skills and relationships to enrich high-growth businesses in the long run
Where did EF come from?
EF was announced by the Prime Minister on 28 March 2011 and was backed by a large number of entrepreneurs, students and corporate sponsors. The need for a programme to support graduate entrepreneurship was identified in a report on East London Tech City, published by McKinsey with the support of other sponsors of Tech City. After several months of preparation led by our sponsors, EF was incorporated as an independent organisation in August 2011.
Who runs EF?
EF is an independent community interest company. It is run day-to-day by a full-time management team and overseen by a Board of Directors. You can read more about us here.
Who pays for EF?
EF is funded entirely by sponsorship. You can read more about our sponsors here.
What does EF get out of this?
EF is a not-for-profit community interest company. Our advisors, sponsors, directors and management support EF because they believe in its goals – to increase the number of students who pursue entrepreneurship on graduation and to increase the success of those who do.
What will I be doing if I apply and get accepted?
The programme starts with a two-week residential training boot-camp late next summer, led by entrepreneurs and other experts. We’ll use this time to help you strengthen your ideas, your team and your plans. After that, the work begins! We’ll hold regular training and networking sessions and you’ll have access to your mentor and the Entrepreneur First team whenever you need us, but we want you to dedicate all your time to building and growing your business.
